On January 23 Pakistan announced the T20I squad for Australia series, a group of 16 that served as the first and final testing ground T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The high-profile series, which will begin on January 29 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, marks a milestone for a team that is looking to cement its identity under his leadership. Salman Ali Agha. with the opening of the World Cup against The Netherlands with weeks to go, selectors have made bold calls underscoring the shift towards fresh talent as they welcome back veteran pillars under immense pressure to perform.
PAK vs AUS, T20I series: Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi’s return under scrutiny
The selection commission has come back to believe in the big duo Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridiboth missed the last assignment in Sri Lanka. Their return is hasty; Babar bounces back after a statistically disappointing stint Big Bash Leaguewhere his strike rate of 103.06 became a major talking point among critics. Similarly, Sahin returned to lead the pace attack after a knee ligament injury cut short his BBL campaign, raising questions about his fitness for the grueling World Cup schedule. For both players, the three matches in Lahore represent a critical final audition to silence doubters and cement their roles in a tactical system that favors aggressive, high-minded cricket over traditional anchors.
PAK vs AUS, T20I series: Surprise releases from two experienced campaigners
The most remarkable aspect of the team is that it is left out of the team Mohammad Rizvan and Haris Raufis a sign of a potential changing of the guard. Despite Haris dominating the Big Bash League as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 20 scalps, the selectors reportedly overlooked him due to his expensive performances in previous international tours. Rizwa’s release is equally significant as it clears the way Khawaja Nafay picking up the gloves as the main wicket-taker after an impressive debut. The decision reflects a desire to move towards a more dynamic middle-order, with the future of Pakistan’s most consistent T20 performers in recent years hanging in the balance as the World Cup roster is finalised.
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PAK vs AUS, T20I series: Final preparations and spin strategy
Pakistan have announced their T20I squad with a strong emphasis on spin, naming it a four-pronged attack. Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Muhammad Nawaz and uncapped Osman Tariq. This pick is clearly anticipating return routes to Chennai and Colombo, where Pakistan will play key World Cup matches. With Australia scheduled to arrive in Lahore on January 28, the series offers captain Salman Ali one last chance to fine-tune his bowling rotation and decide on a permanent opening pair. Pakistan, the only team among the favorites to postpone the final 15-man World Cup announcement, is using this Australian challenge to determine which of the 16 players can withstand the pressure of the global tournament, which begins on February 7.
Pakistan squad for T20I three-match series against Australia
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fahim Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi (Uk)
