The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Australia, set to be played at the historic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
The matches are scheduled for January 29, January 31, and February 1, with all fixtures starting at 4:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time, while the toss will take place at 3:30 PM.
Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi Return
Former captain Babar Azam and premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi have returned to Pakistan’s T20I squad after missing the recent Sri Lanka series, which ended in a 1–1 draw earlier this month.
Their comeback is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s batting depth and pace attack ahead of crucial international assignments.
Salman Ali Agha to Lead Pakistan Side
All-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been named captain for the series, reflecting PCB’s continued focus on leadership development. Meanwhile, Shadab Khan continues his return to international cricket and is likely to play a central role in Pakistan’s spin-heavy strategy.
The spin department also includes Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Usman Tariq, providing Pakistan with multiple bowling options on home conditions.
Pakistan 16-Member T20 Squad
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Salman Ali Agha (c)
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Abrar Ahmed
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Babar Azam
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Faheem Ashraf
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Fakhar Zaman
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Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk)
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Mohammad Nawaz
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Mohammad Salman Mirza
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Mohammad Wasim Jr
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Naseem Shah
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Sahibzada Farhan (wk)
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Usman Khan (wk)
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Shaheen Shah Afridi
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Shadab Khan
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Saim Ayub
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Usman Tariq
The squad and support staff will assemble in Lahore on Saturday, with formal preparations beginning the following day.
Australia’s Rare T20I Tour of Pakistan
The Australian team is set to arrive in Pakistan on January 28, marking only their second T20I series on Pakistani soil. Their previous T20I appearance in Pakistan came in April 2022, when a single match was played at Gaddafi Stadium.
This tour will be Australia’s third visit to Pakistan since 2022, following a historic Test series, ODI matches, and appearances during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Key Preparation for T20 World Cup 2026
The series will serve as an important preparation platform for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia, while Australia will compete in Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman.
Pakistan vs Australia T20I Head-to-Head
Pakistan and Australia have faced each other 28 times in T20 Internationals.
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Australia wins: 14
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Pakistan wins: 12
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Tied matches: 1
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No result: 1
In the only T20I played between the two sides at Gaddafi Stadium on April 5, 2022, Australia secured a narrow three-wicket victory.
