Babar Azam Return Likely in South Africa Showdown

Babar Azam is expected to make his T20 International return next month as Pakistan prepares for its home series against South Africa.

Veteran journalist Saleem Khaliq revealed that the Pakistan Cricket Board has finalised plans to recall the former captain after a ten-month absence.

Babar was sidelined since December 2024 as selectors and head coach Mike Hesson experimented with a new approach centred on fresh batting combinations.

Despite these changes, Pakistan struggled to maintain stability in its batting order, with experts highlighting Babar’s calm presence as an essential missing element.

Hesson has never dismissed the possibility of Babar’s return, and insiders suggest he supported the decision to bring back the senior batter.

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Internal discussions earlier considered sending Babar to the Asia Cup, but organisers refused changes to the squad unless a player suffered injury.

His omission attracted criticism because he remains the second-highest run scorer in T20 internationals, trailing only India’s Rohit Sharma in career totals.

The expected recall is viewed as a calculated step to reinforce Pakistan’s batting strength before the 2026 T20 World Cup campaign begins.

If confirmed, the South Africa series will mark his first T20 international appearance since December 2024, giving him an opportunity to re-establish form.

The three-match T20 series will take place in Pakistan from October 28 to November 1, with squads for the contest finalised soon.