Lahore ( The COW News Digital) Pakistan’s star batter and former captain Babar Azam is set to make his much-anticipated return to the national T20I side, sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday.
According to insiders, there were initial discussions about including Babar in the Asia Cup squad currently playing in the UAE. However, tournament organizers reportedly told the PCB that no squad changes would be permitted unless a player suffered an injury, forcing selectors to delay his comeback.
Babar Azam last featured in a T20 International in December 2024, also against South Africa. His return is now expected to take place when Pakistan travels for a T20I series against the Proteas later this year.
The right-handed batter, one of the most prolific run-scorers in modern cricket, had been out of the shortest format setup amid a rebuilding phase after Pakistan’s early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. His exclusion sparked widespread debate among fans and former cricketers, many of whom argued that Pakistan’s top order lacked stability without him.
With the South Africa tour on the horizon, selectors are keen to bolster the batting lineup ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup. If confirmed, Babar’s return will be seen as a major boost for the Men in Green.
