Babar Back in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Squad as Participation Remains Uncertain
Former captain Babar Azam has been recalled to Pakistan’s squad for the Twenty20 World Cup, even as doubts continue over whether the team will take part in the tournament following Bangladesh’s expulsion by the International Cricket Council.
The 15-man squad, led by Salman Ali Agha, was announced on Saturday, a day after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the board was awaiting government clearance before confirming participation. The uncertainty stems from the ICC’s decision to remove Bangladesh from the competition after they refused to play in India over security concerns.
Chief selector Aaqib Javed said the government would make the final call on whether Pakistan would travel to Sri Lanka, where the team is scheduled to play all its matches due to strained relations with India.
“Our responsibility is to select the team,” Javed said after the announcement in Lahore. “The government will decide on participation, so we will wait for that decision.”
Alongside Babar, Shadab Khan and fast bowler Naseem Shah have returned to the squad, while wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been left out. Haris Rauf also remains omitted, having not featured since the Asia Cup in September.
Head coach Mike Hesson defended the continued backing of Babar despite his modest Big Bash League form, noting that Sri Lankan conditions are likely to suit his strengths in the middle overs rather than as a powerplay opener.
The selectors opted for a pace attack of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Naseem Shah, supported by four spinners — Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq — anticipating spin-friendly surfaces.
Bangladesh have been replaced by Scotland in the tournament. Pakistan are set to open their Group A campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by matches against the United States, India, and Namibia.
Pakistan squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq.
