Shaheen Afridi thrown out of Pakistan team a day after being named ODI captain

Shaheen Afridi thrown out of Pakistan team a day after being named ODI captain

Pakistan’s Star Batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to Miss T20I Series Against South Africa

Pakistan’s Selection Committee Decides to Stick with Younger Squad

As Pakistan gears up for the upcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa, star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are expected to be left out once again. This decision, confirmed by Geo News journalist Sohail Imran and Qadir Khawaja on social media, comes as the selectors aim to make two or three changes to the squad that featured in the Asia Cup but opt to continue with the younger talent.

Both Babar and Rizwan have been absent from Pakistan’s T20I setup throughout 2025, including series against Bangladesh, the West Indies, and the Asia Cup. With the team management and selectors shifting focus towards nurturing younger players in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, the experienced duo seems to have been sidelined for the time being.

Babar Azam, known for his elegant stroke play, scoring 288 runs at a strike rate of 128.57, and Mohammad Rizwan, who amassed 367 runs at a strike rate of 139.54 during the PSL 2025, last played a T20I match in December 2024. However, despite their impressive performances in domestic leagues, the selectors seem inclined to give opportunities to newer faces like Salman Ali Agha.

Shaheen Afridi Likely to Be Rested to Manage Workload

Another key player who might miss the T20I series against South Africa is left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi. The newly appointed ODI captain is expected to be rested to manage his workload after featuring in both Tests against the Proteas. This decision reflects the team management’s focus on maintaining player fitness and ensuring a balanced squad composition.

Reports suggest that Khushdil Shah and Hussain Talat, who were part of the Asia Cup squad, might be dropped to make way for the inclusion of Irfan Khan Niazi and Naseem Shah. While Haris Rauf’s participation remains uncertain, Mohammad Haris is likely to retain the wicketkeeping role in the absence of Mohammad Rizwan.

Furthermore, despite facing criticism for his performance in the Asia Cup, Saim Ayub may receive backing from the selectors, indicating a vote of confidence in the young batsman. Pakistan is expected to retain most of its Asia Cup core for the upcoming series, showcasing a blend of experience and emerging talent.

Upcoming T20I Series Schedule

The T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa is set to kick off on October 28 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The subsequent matches will take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on October 31 and November 1, respectively. The Pakistan T20 squad is scheduled to assemble in Islamabad on October 25, with a joint training session alongside the South African team planned for October 26.

As Pakistan prepares to take on South Africa in the T20I series, the absence of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and potentially Shaheen Afridi presents an opportunity for young talents to prove their mettle on the international stage. With a focus on building a competitive squad for future tournaments, the selectors’ decision to invest in youth could shape Pakistan’s cricketing prospects in the years to come.

Young Players Ready to Step Up in the Absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan

With Pakistan’s star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan set to miss the T20I series against South Africa, the spotlight is now on the younger players to showcase their talent on the international stage. Salman Ali Agha, who has been making waves in domestic cricket with his explosive batting, is expected to play a key role in the series. His ability to score quick runs and anchor the innings could provide the team with the firepower needed in the absence of Babar and Rizwan.

Another player to watch out for is Irfan Khan Niazi, who has been in impressive form in domestic T20 tournaments. His all-round abilities with both bat and ball make him a valuable asset for the team, offering flexibility in team composition and strategy. Naseem Shah, known for his raw pace and aggressive bowling, could also make a significant impact if given the opportunity in the upcoming series.

While the absence of seasoned players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan may raise concerns, it also opens the door for young talents like Saim Ayub to prove themselves on the international stage. Ayub’s solid technique and temperament under pressure could earn him a permanent spot in the T20 squad if he delivers consistent performances against South Africa.

Strategic Rest for Shaheen Afridi to Ensure Long-Term Fitness

The decision to potentially rest Shaheen Afridi for the T20I series against South Africa highlights Pakistan’s commitment to managing player workload and ensuring long-term fitness. With Afridi being a crucial asset in all formats of the game, the team management’s strategic approach aims to prevent burnout and injuries, especially considering his heavy workload in recent series.

Giving opportunities to emerging pace bowlers like Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf could provide valuable experience and depth to the fast bowling department. Naseem Shah’s ability to generate pace and bounce, coupled with Haris Rauf’s variations and yorkers, could add a new dimension to Pakistan’s bowling attack in the absence of Afridi.

Furthermore, Hussain Talat and Khushdil Shah’s potential exclusion from the squad opens up opportunities for young all-rounders like Mohammad Haris to make a mark in the series. Haris’ ability to contribute with both bat and ball could provide the team with the balance needed to compete against a strong South African side.

Looking Ahead: Pakistan’s T20I Series Strategy

As Pakistan prepares to face South Africa in the upcoming T20I series, the focus on nurturing young talent and building a competitive squad for future tournaments remains a top priority for the selectors. The blend of experience and emerging talent in the squad reflects a strategic approach to develop a well-rounded team capable of challenging the best in the world.

While the absence of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and potentially Shaheen Afridi may pose challenges, it also presents an opportunity for the next generation of cricketers to step up and prove their worth. The series against South Africa will serve as a litmus test for the young players to demonstrate their skills and stake a claim for a permanent spot in the national team.

With the T20I series fast approaching, all eyes will be on the young guns as they look to make a mark and contribute to Pakistan’s cricketing journey. The selectors’ decision to invest in youth and provide opportunities for emerging talent could set the stage for a new era of success for Pakistan cricket.

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