The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series against Australia. The series will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with matches scheduled for January 29, January 31, and February 1. Salman Ali Agha will lead the Pakistani side as captain for this crucial series.[radio+2]
Key Players Return for Home Series
Former captain Babar Azam and star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi are returning to the T20I squad after missing Pakistan's recent three-match series against Sri Lanka earlier in January. Their inclusion is expected to significantly strengthen both the batting and bowling departments as Pakistan prepares to face a strong Australian team. All-rounder Shadab Khan also continues his comeback to the national setup, having returned in the previous T20I series. He will bolster Pakistan's spin bowling unit, which also includes Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Usman Tariq.[geo+7]
The full 16-member squad named by the PCB includes: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), and Usman Tariq. The team features three designated wicketkeepers in Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan.[geo+3]
World Cup Preparations Begin
This three-match series holds significant importance for both Pakistan and Australia, serving as vital preparation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The global tournament is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Pakistan is placed in Group A for the World Cup, alongside co-hosts India, the USA, the Netherlands, and Namibia. Australia will compete in Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman.[geo+8]
The Pakistan squad and its support staff are scheduled to gather in Lahore on Saturday, January 24, to begin their preparations for the series. Training sessions will commence the following day. Australia is expected to arrive in Pakistan on January 28. This tour marks Australia's third visit to Pakistan since March-April 2022, when they played a historic Test series, an ODI series, and a one-off T20I. It will be Australia's second T20I series on Pakistani soil, following a single T20I match played at Gaddafi Stadium in April 2022.[tribune+6]
Historically, Pakistan and Australia have faced each other 28 times in T20Is. Australia has won 14 matches, while Pakistan has secured 12 victories, with one tie and one no-result match.[geo+1]
Australian Squad Sees Key Players Rested
While Pakistan has brought back its senior players, Australia also announced its 17-player squad earlier this week. The Australian team has chosen to rest five of its key players, including Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis. Experienced all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will captain the Australian side. Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Josh Inglis, who were part of the victorious Ashes 2025-26 squad, are included in the touring party. Cummins, Hazlewood, and Tim David are currently recovering from injuries, with the T20 World Cup just weeks away.[crex+5]
The upcoming three-match series in Lahore will provide both cricketing nations with a vital opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and combinations before the highly anticipated T20 World Cup.
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