Pakistan has received a significant boost ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with the return of star players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi to the national side for an upcoming series against Australia.
The experienced duo, who were absent for the recent three-match T20I contest in Sri Lanka, have been named in a 16-member squad for the three-match series against Australia, which commences on 29 January, according to a report today.
This series represents a final opportunity for both teams to apply the finishing touches to their preparations for the marquee tournament, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
Spinner Shadab Khan also marks his comeback to the national T20I setup after a six-month period, strengthening a spin bowling unit that also features Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Usman Tariq.
The team will be led by Salman Ali Agha. The full squad is as follows: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan and Usman Tariq.
The contest will see two former champions face off, with Pakistan having won the T20 World Cup in 2009 and Australia securing the title in 2021.
For the forthcoming World Cup, Pakistan are slotted in Group A alongside co-hosts India, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. Australia are positioned in Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe.