Shaheen returns, Babar sidelined in Pakistan’s T20I squad for West Indies tour

Lahore

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed its squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of the West Indies, spotlighting two major developments—Shaheen Shah Afridi’s return to the T20I squad and Babar Azam’s continued omission from the shortest format.

Shaheen, who was absent during the recent Bangladesh series, rejoins Pakistan’s pace unit for the three-match T20I series to be held in Florida. He will be joined by Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali, reinforcing a formidable bowling attack. However, despite speculation, Babar Azam remains excluded from the T20Is, though he retains his place in the ODI lineup. The selectors appear committed to backing a youthful core, led in the T20Is by captain Agha Salman.

In the ODI series, which will be played in Trinidad, Mohammad Rizwan takes over as captain, with Salman acting as his deputy. Key players like Naseem Shah, Abdullah Shafique, and Shaheen Afridi will also feature in the 50-over squad. Veteran opener Fakhar Zaman has been named in both formats, further cementing his role in the national setup.

Emerging players Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, and Sahibzada Farhan bolster the T20I batting, while Salman Mirza and Ahmed Daniyal—standouts in the Bangladesh series—miss out this time.

The tour comprises six matches: three T20Is in the United States and three ODIs in the Caribbean. The series is seen as a key preparatory phase ahead of the upcoming global tournaments.

Pakistan T20I squad vs West Indies:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.

Pakistan ODI squad vs West Indies:

Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.