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Babar to return, Labuschagne called up and Patidar 200 – October 17 Cricket highlights

Aakash Saini

Babar Azam and Rajat Patidar [Source: @Team_BabarAzam, @rishabh18v/x]Babar Azam and Rajat Patidar [Source: @Team_BabarAzam, @rishabh18v/x]

Babar Azam will reportedly make a return to Pakistan’s T20I team for the upcoming home series against South Africa. Marnus Labuschagne will be replacing Cameron Green in the Australian ODI squad for the series against India. In other news, Madhya Pradesh captain Rajat Patidar started off his Ranji Trophy 2025-26 campaign with a double century.

Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Friday, October 17.

Babar Azam, Naseem tipped for T20I return vs SA: Report

Legendary Pakistan batter Babar Azam and fast bowling maverick Naseem Shah are reportedly in contention of making a return to their team’s T20I setup for the upcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa in Rawalpindi and Lahore later this month. As reported by GeoSuper, the Pakistan selection committee is considering all options, and might select the two cricketers if the team requires them. Both Babar Azam and Naseem Shah last played T20I cricket for Pakistan back in late-2024 last year.

Labuschagne replaces Cameron Green in ODI series vs India

Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has replaced all-rounder Cameron Green in the national ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Team India at home. Green has been ruled out of the entire series due to side soreness. Labuschagne was rewarded with a place in the national team owing to his prolific run in domestic cricket off late, considering the 2023 World Cup winner has racked up three centuries in his last four innings across all formats. The series between Australia and India will kick off from November 19 onwards in Perth.

Rajat Patidar slams Ranji double ton as Madhya Pradesh captain

Madhya Pradesh captain Rajat Patidar started off his Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season with a scintillating double century against Punjab in Indore. Resuming his innings at 107* on Day 3, the RCB skipper reached 205* by stumps. Rajat Patidar faced 332 deliveries in his knock, and whacked 26 of them for some elegant boundaries. His innings also propelled Madhya Pradesh to 519-8 in 146 overs to go 287 runs above Punjab in the elite Group B match at the Emerald High School Ground.

Gavin Larsen named New Zealand’s new selection manager

Former New Zealand cricketer Gavin Larsen has been appointed as the new selection manager of the New Zealand cricket team. The 63-year-old was roped in by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) following the departure of Sam Wells. Larsen as well as head coach Rob Walter will now be tasked to constitute New Zealand national squad as well as New Zealand A and XI teams. The former cricketer will begin his role officially from November 3 onwards, and one of the biggest agendas of his earlier tenure remains the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year.

Ajit Agarkar reacts to Mohammed Shami remarks

Former Indian cricketer and active chief selector Ajit Agarkar has responded to the repeated exclusions of legendary fast bowler Mohammed Shami. It is worth noting that Shami played a crucial role in India’s 2023 World Cup runners-up campaign and 2025 ICC Champions Trophy win in the UAE earlier this year. While speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2025, Agarkar echoed his earlier claims that Shami would have been selected in the present national team for the recently-concluded Test tour of England as well as for the upcoming white-ball series in Australia if not for his fitness concerns.