Babar Azam set to make T20I return against South Africa

ISLAMABAD: Babar Azam‘s long exile from Pakistan’s T20I squad is expected to end next month, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly preparing to recall the former captain for the upcoming series against South Africa.

Veteran cricket journalist Saleem Khaliq has revealed that the PCB has decided to reintroduce Babar in the shortest format, which has left him on the sidelines since December 2024. The star batsman was waiting as Pakistan tried a new approach under head coach Mike Hesson.

Despite mixed results, pundits have pointed to Pakistan’s lack of control in the batting order, an area where Babar’s composed style is seen as a natural fit.

Hesson himself has never ruled out Babar’s return and may have played a role in the decision to bring him back.

Interestingly, Babar Azam’s return for the South Africa series is also not a big revelation from Saleem Khaliq. According to him, there were internal discussions within the PCB about sending Babar to the UAE in the middle of the Asia Cup campaign, as Pakistan’s batting failed to live up to expectations.

However, the tournament organisers made it clear that changes to the squad could only be made in the event of an injury to the player, effectively ruling out his participation in the continental event.

Babar’s absence from Pakistan’s T20 set-up had sparked much debate in cricket circles, especially given that he was ranked as the second-highest run-scorer in international T20I cricket.

His expected return is now being seen as a strategic move to strengthen the batting line-up ahead of a packed international calendar, which includes the 2026 T20I World Cup.

If confirmed, the series against South Africa will mark Babar’s first T20I appearance for Pakistan since December 2024, giving him a chance to reclaim his place as the team is restructured under the new management.

The T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa will be played from October 28 to November 1. The visitors have already announced their squad, with Pakistan set to follow suit in the coming days.