Pakistan cricket fans are buzzing with excitement as Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi make their Babar-Shaheen return to the Pakistan T20 team. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Friday that these star players, fresh from the Big Bash League in Australia, will feature in the upcoming three-match Australia T20 series starting January 29. This move comes at a perfect time, strengthening the side just weeks before the T20 World Cup opener against the Netherlands on February 7.
The timing couldn't be better. After a mixed bag against Sri Lanka earlier this month—ending in a 1-1 draw with the second match abandoned—Pakistan needs momentum. Babar and Shaheen sat out that series, but their inclusion now signals selectors' faith in experience for high-stakes games.
Squad Boost with Veteran Firepower
The 16-member Pakistan T20 team squad, led by Salman Ali Agha, blends youth and grit:
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Key batsmen: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan
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Pace attack: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
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All-rounders: Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz
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Wicketkeepers: Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan, Mohammad Salman Mirza
Babar's elegant strokeplay and Shaheen's raw pace could be game-changers. Experts like former captain Wasim Akram predict this duo will "ignite Pakistan's campaign," especially after their Big Bash stints honed match fitness.
This Babar-Shaheen return matters now amid T20 World Cup uncertainties. Selectors haven't finalized the squad, fueling rumors of potential withdrawal over security concerns in India—echoing Bangladesh's stance. Yet, PCB remains committed, using this series as a dress rehearsal.
Australia Tour: Historic Home Edge
Australia lands in Pakistan on January 28 for their second T20I stint here since a lone match in April 2022. Playing at home gives Pakistan an edge, with familiar pitches favoring spinners like Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan.
Fans recall Sri Lanka's narrow 14-run win in the first game, countered by Pakistan's six-wicket chase in the third. Babar and Shaheen's absence then hurt; their presence now promises fireworks.
Why This Series Shapes World Cup Hopes
As global cricket eyes the T20 World Cup, this prep is vital. Actionable takeaway for fans: Watch Babar's form at No. 3 and Shaheen's death-over yorkers—they could define knockout chances. Analysts say a 2-1 series win would skyrocket confidence.
In sports-crazy Pakistan, this Babar-Shaheen return revives optimism. With the first ball due in days, expect electric crowds in Karachi. Will it propel them to glory? The World Cup beckons.
