Babar Azam, Naseem return; No Haris in T20Is as Pakistan announce squads for SA series

Babar Azam is back in T20Is [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced two formidable squads for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against South Africa. Interestingly, the same T20I team will also participate in the home tri-series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. 

Babar Azam, Naseem Shah back in T20Is

After missing out on selection for the Asia Cup, Babar Azam and Naseem Shah have been recalled to Pakistan's T20I setup. The PCB has taken the bold call to form a formidable combination ahead of next year's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. 

On the other hand, swashbuckling keeper-batter Usman Khan has replaced Mohammad Haris as the wicketkeeper, while explosive middle-order batter Abdul Samad has made his T20I comeback. Mystery spinner Usman Tariq has received his maiden call-up, with Sufiyan Muqeem, Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman making it into the reserves. 

Pakistan's T20I squad for SA series and Tri-Series

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper), Usman Tariq

Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim

Pakistan's ODI squad vs SA

Shahen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

More to follow...