Former captains Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have returned to Pakistan’s Twenty20 International squad for the upcoming three-match home series against Australia, which begins on Thursday. The series will be Pakistan’s final bilateral assignment before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next month, making it an important opportunity for the team to fine-tune preparations.
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Babar Azam had missed Pakistan’s recent three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka due to his participation in Australia’s domestic Big Bash League (BBL). The 31-year-old batter was part of the Sydney Sixers setup and had been in solid form during the tournament. However, he decided to cut short his BBL campaign to return home early. And rejoin the national camp ahead of the Australia series.
Pakistan Cricket Board officials have now announced a 16-member squad for the T20I series, which gets underway on January 29. The return of experienced campaigners Babar and Shaheen is seen as a major boost, especially with the World Cup fast approaching.
Both players were rested during the Sri Lanka series, allowing the team management to test younger options. But their leadership and experience are expected to play a crucial role against a strong Australian side.
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T20 World Cup 2026: Shadab Khan Returns After Six Months
Also returning to the squad is all-rounder Shadab Khan, who makes his comeback after a six-month absence from international cricket. Shadab’s inclusion significantly strengthens Pakistan’s spin bowling department, which has been an area of focus for the team management.
Alongside Shadab, the spin unit includes Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz. And Usman Tariq, offering a mix of leg-spin, off-spin, and left-arm options. The series will serve as a valuable dress rehearsal for both teams. Ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan and Australia are both former T20 world champions. With Pakistan lifting the trophy in 2009 and Australia claiming their first title in 2021. The three-match contest is expected to be highly competitive, given the quality and depth on both sides.
At the World Cup, Pakistan have been placed in Group A, where they will face the United States, Namibia, the Netherlands, and co-hosts India. Australia, meanwhile, will compete in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe. With limited matches before the tournament begins.
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T20 World Cup Final: Ellis Injury Adds to Australia’s World Cup Concerns
Australia, however, have suffered another injury setback ahead of the global event. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis has sustained a hamstring injury while playing in the ongoing Big Bash League, ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament. The injury has raised concerns about his availability for the World Cup, which begins on February 7.
Ellis has been a standout performer in the BBL. Taking 14 wickets in nine matches at an economy rate of 9.03. His absence adds to Australia’s growing list of pace-bowling concerns. Senior fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are also managing fitness issues.
Hazlewood has not played international cricket since November and missed the Ashes series, though he is expected to regain full fitness in time for the World Cup. Cummins, on the other hand, is anticipated to rejoin the squad later in the tournament as his workload continues to be monitored.
For the upcoming Pakistan series, Ellis has been rested along with Tim David, Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, and Cummins. All five players are part of Australia’s provisional T20 World Cup squad and are either recovering from injuries or being given extended rest as part of workload management.
Despite the absences, the Australia-Pakistan series remains a key preparation phase for both sides, offering valuable match practice and insight just weeks before the biggest T20 event on the cricket calendar.
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