🏏 Babar Azam Makes Stunning Comeback as Pakistan Announce Squads for Home White-Ball Series 2025
🇵🇰 Babar Azam Returns Pakistan’s King Is Back in Green!
The roar of Pakistan cricket fans has finally found its reason — Babar Azam, the heartbeat of Pakistan’s batting, is back in T20Is after a long gap since 2024.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming white-ball home season, featuring high-voltage series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, followed by a T20 Tri-Series including Zimbabwe.
This isn’t just another team announcement — it’s a statement of intent. Pakistan is rebuilding, refocusing, and reigniting its firepower in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
🧢 Cricketory Insight: Why Babar’s Comeback Matters More Than Ever
Babar Azam’s absence from the shortest format had raised eyebrows and debate among fans and experts alike. After sitting out several series due to rotation and leadership restructuring, his return symbolizes Pakistan’s tactical reset.
At Cricketory, our analysis suggests three clear motives behind his inclusion:
- Stability at the Top: Babar brings technical assurance, especially in early overs — a crucial phase where Pakistan struggled in his absence.
- Leadership Balance: Although Salman Ali Agha captains the T20 side, Babar’s presence strengthens the leadership group with calm experience.
- World Cup Roadmap: PCB aims to finalize a stable core before the global tournament. Babar’s return gives structure to that plan.
⚡ Full T20I Squad Breakdown — Power, Pace, and Promise
15-Member T20I Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (C), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan (wk), and Usman Tariq.
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim.
This squad reflects Pakistan’s commitment to balance and experimentation. With experienced performers like Babar and Shaheen, the team gains stability, while fresh talents like Usman Tariq and Hasan Nawaz inject youthful aggression.
🧠 Who Is Usman Tariq? Cricketory’s Rising Star to Watch
Every squad announcement brings a new name — and this time, it’s Usman Tariq, Pakistan’s uncapped sensation.
Known for his explosive bowling in T20 leagues, Tariq has already built an impressive record:
- 12 wickets in 10 PSL matches for Quetta Gladiators.
- 20 wickets in 10 CPL games for Trinbago Knight Riders in 2025 — second-highest wicket-taker overall.
His pace, control, and aggression make him a future Pakistan spearhead, and selectors clearly see him as the next-generation enforcer in limited-overs cricket.
💥 Return of the Titans — Babar Azam and Naseem Shah Back in Action
The double comeback of Babar Azam and Naseem Shah headlines Pakistan’s 2025 white-ball season.
Babar’s technical class and experience at the top will redefine Pakistan’s batting rhythm, while Naseem Shah’s return brings variety and swing to the pace battery.
After his recovery from shoulder issues, Naseem has been training intensively at the National High-Performance Centre in Lahore, sharpening his death-overs execution — something Pakistan missed in recent series.
Together, they form the emotional and tactical backbone of this rejuvenated T20I unit.
🔄 Leadership Shift — Salman Ali Agha Steps Up
With Babar returning as a senior batsman and Salman Ali Agha leading the side, the PCB’s message is clear: shared leadership.
Agha’s recent rise in domestic and international formats shows maturity, calm decision-making, and tactical awareness.
Under his captaincy, young players have shown freedom to express, while veterans like Babar add structure to the batting order.
It’s the perfect blend of fearless youth and seasoned guidance — a modern approach to team leadership.
🧩 Cricketory Analysis: Pakistan’s Tactical Blueprint
Here’s how Pakistan’s selection reflects deeper cricketing logic:
| Tactical Focus | Player Role | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Powerplay Stability | Babar Azam, Saim Ayub | Solid base for acceleration |
| Middle Order Explosiveness | Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf | Finishing power |
| Death Bowling Variety | Shaheen, Naseem, Wasim Jr | Tactical edge in tight games |
| Spin Web | Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz | Home advantage weapon |
| All-Round Depth | Agha Salman, Ashraf | Balance and flexibility |
Cricketory believes this is Pakistan’s most versatile T20 squad since 2021, capable of adapting to both batting-friendly and spin-heavy conditions.
🏟️ Pakistan’s White-Ball Home Calendar 2025
🏏 T20I Series vs South Africa (Rawalpindi & Lahore)
- 28 October: 1st T20I – Rawalpindi
- 31 October: 2nd T20I – Lahore
- 1 November: 3rd T20I – Lahore
🏏 ODI Series vs South Africa (Faisalabad)
- 4 November: 1st ODI
- 6 November: 2nd ODI
- 8 November: 3rd ODI
🏏 ODI Series vs Sri Lanka (Rawalpindi)
- 11 November: 1st ODI
- 13 November: 2nd ODI
- 15 November: 3rd ODI
🏏 T20 Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)
- 17–29 November – Matches in Rawalpindi & Lahore, culminating in the final on 29 November at Gaddafi Stadium.
This schedule offers non-stop cricket — a perfect home season to test combinations before next year’s global tournaments.
💪 Cricketory Spotlight: ODI Squad Analysis
16-Member ODI Squad:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (C), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.
Here’s what stands out:
- Shaheen as captain: Reward for consistent leadership growth.
- Babar & Rizwan reunion: Pakistan’s ODI backbone reconnected.
- Faisal Akram’s recall: A left-arm spinner’s dream chance on home soil.
- Haris Rauf’s return: Experience added to a fiery pace trio.
🎯 Key Returnees — Impact Players in Focus
- Babar Azam: Back to anchor innings, dominate the middle overs, and rebuild momentum before T20 World Cup.
- Shaheen Afridi: Leading both formats with poise; dual responsibility sharpens his captaincy instincts.
- Naseem Shah: Pace versatility; lethal in powerplay and death.
- Faisal Akram: Mystery spinner likely to play pivotal role in Rawalpindi’s turning pitches.
- Abdul Samad: X-factor hitter; tailor-made for late-over fireworks.
🧱 Cricketory Insight: Pakistan’s Power Structure Redefined
This squad announcement reveals Pakistan’s evolving cricket philosophy:
- Rotation replaced with merit-based inclusion.
- Tactical preparation for multi-format continuity.
- Focus on fitness, fielding, and flexibility rather than pure seniority.
Babar’s re-entry signals Pakistan’s return to attacking T20 culture — structured top-order play, balanced middle order, and data-driven bowling strategies.
🧠 What This Means for Babar Azam’s Future
Babar’s comeback could set the tone for a second leadership era. Even without captaincy, his on-field composure and tactical presence remain unmatched.
Cricketory expects PCB to evaluate Babar’s influence over the next two months. If results and form align, a return to T20I captaincy by mid-2026 is a real possibility.
Babar’s next goal? Regain rhythm, dominate early overs, and inspire Pakistan’s batting identity once again.
🌍 Venues: Home Advantage in Play
- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium: Seam-friendly with short boundaries — expect high-scoring thrillers.
- Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore: Ideal for spin testing and crowd energy.
- Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad: True wicket, great for batters and late swing bowlers.
Pakistan’s home advantage could play a huge psychological role against South Africa’s power hitters and Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy lineup.
💥 Cricketory Power Analysis: Strengths vs Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Top order depth (Babar, Saim, Agha)
- Balanced bowling attack
- Home conditions familiarity
- Explosive bench strength
Weaknesses:
- Middle-order inconsistency under pressure
- Limited death-over batting experience
- New leadership dynamic still in transition
Yet, the overall momentum points toward Pakistan’s dominance at home.
🔥 Fans React — Social Media Buzz
Social media platforms exploded with reactions moments after PCB’s announcement.
- Fans celebrated Babar’s comeback with #KingIsBack trending on X (Twitter).
- Naseem Shah’s return earned heartfelt messages from teammates.
- PSL franchises also praised Usman Tariq’s call-up, calling it “well-deserved.”
The excitement reflects renewed hope in Pakistan’s white-ball future.
🏆 Cricketory Verdict — A Season of Rebirth for Pakistan Cricket
The 2025 home season could be Pakistan’s turning point. With a mix of veterans and rising stars, this is a reboot phase, not a rebuild.
Babar Azam’s inclusion signifies not just experience — but emotional stability and national pride.
If this squad clicks, Pakistan might re-emerge as T20 giants and ODI contenders ahead of next year’s ICC events.