In a significant development for Pakistan cricket, Babar Azam has been reinstated to the national Twenty20 International (T20I) squad after nearly a year of absence. The star batsman was dropped following his last T20 appearance against South Africa in December 2024, primarily due to concerns over his strike rate. His return comes as Pakistan prepares for a three-match T20I series against South Africa, starting on October 28 in Rawalpindi, followed by a tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe next month. The 15-man squad, led by captain Salman Agha, also includes new faces such as pacer Naseem Shah, batter Abdul Samad, and wicketkeeper Usman Khan. Notably, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan remains excluded, while opener Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, and fast bowler Haris Rauf have been dropped from the squad. Despite finishing as runners-up in the recent Asia Cup, Pakistan faced a disappointing run with three consecutive losses against arch-rivals India. Following the T20Is, Pakistan will host South Africa for a three-match ODI series from November 4 to 8, with Shaheen Shah Afridi leading the ODI squad and Rizwan included in the lineup.