Babar Azam Returns as T20I Captain, Rauf and Zaman Dropped

Babar Azam has been restored as Pakistan’s T20I captain, while major names Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman are absent from the squad for the upcoming South Africa series. So Let’s take a look at Babar Azam Returns as T20I Captain.

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Leadership U-Turn as Babar Azam Reclaims Captaincy

The Pakistan Cricket Board has made a significant move by bringing Babar Azam back into the fold as T20I captain, just months after he resigned from limited-overs leadership roles in late 2024. This decision comes in preparation for the three-match T20I series against South Africa, beginning October 28 in Rawalpindi, and signals the management’s renewed faith in Azam’s leadership. Babar had previously been dropped due to a dip in his T20 strike rate and had stepped away to focus on his batting following a disappointing World Cup campaign. However, his proven ability as a batsman and leader, having guided Pakistan to ODI world No.1 status and holding records for T20I centuries as a captain, likely influenced the recent call to reinstate him.

Squad Reshuffle: Rauf and Zaman Omitted, Shah Returns

Alongside Babar’s headline return, the squad also reflects a decisive reshuffle, most notably with the exclusion of pacer Haris Rauf and opener Fakhar Zaman. Both players had featured in the recent Asia Cup, where Pakistan finished runners-up but faced criticism after losses to India. Rauf, renowned for his pace, and Zaman, a top-order aggressor, now make way as selectors turn toward renewed combinations. Meanwhile, fast bowler Naseem Shah and wicketkeeper Usman Khan have been recalled after periods on the sidelines, adding fresh energy to the group. Current caretaker-captain Salman Agha remains in the squad, underscoring the intent to blend established experience with emerging talent as Pakistan prepares for a packed home calendar.

With Babar Azam once again at the helm and notable omissions stirring debate, Pakistan’s T20I squad signals an intriguing new chapter—can these changes deliver consistency and restore the team’s fortunes on home soil?

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