LAHORE: Pakistan have welcomed back two of their biggest stars as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Australia, scheduled to begin on January 29 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Former captain Babar Azam and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi make their return to the T20I setup after being rested for Pakistan’s recent away series against Sri Lanka earlier this month. Their inclusion is expected to significantly strengthen Pakistan’s batting depth and bowling firepower ahead of a high-profile contest against the world champions.
The series will be played entirely in Lahore, with matches set for January 29, January 31, and February 1. All three games will begin at 4:00 PM local time, while the toss is scheduled for 3:30 PM PST, ensuring ideal conditions for players and fans alike.
Pakistan’s squad reflects a balanced combination of experience and youth. Alongside Babar and Shaheen, Shadab Khan continues his comeback journey after featuring in the previous T20I series. The all-rounder remains a key figure in Pakistan’s middle order and spin attack, offering leadership and versatility.
The spin department looks particularly strong, with Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Usman Tariq providing multiple bowling options suited to Lahore’s conditions. This variety gives Pakistan flexibility to adapt their combination depending on pitch behavior and match situations.
According to PCB officials, players and support staff will assemble in Lahore on January 24, with formal training sessions commencing the following day. The preparation camp will focus on match readiness, fitness, and tactical planning, especially against Australia’s aggressive batting approach in the shortest format.
For Australia, this tour holds added significance. The visitors are set to arrive in Pakistan on January 28, marking only their second T20I series on Pakistani soil. Their previous appearance in the format came in April 2022, when they played a solitary T20I at the same venue.
The upcoming series is seen as an important step in strengthening bilateral cricket ties and offering fans competitive international cricket at home. With senior players returning and a settled core emerging, Pakistan will aim to make full use of home advantage and fine-tune combinations ahead of future global tournaments.
Cricket fans are expected to turn out in large numbers as Lahore once again becomes the center of international cricket action, promising a closely contested and entertaining T20I series between two top sides.
Pakistan squad for Australia series
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq
Player support personnel: Naveed Akram Cheema (team manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (performance analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmed (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), Dr Raheel Karim (psychiatrist) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)
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