Rizwan, Babar, Shaheen return to lead Pakistan’s charge against West Indies

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — In a strategic shift aimed at restoring dominance in the white-ball arena, Pakistan has recalled senior stars Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Shah Afridi for their upcoming six-match tour of the West Indies, which features three T20 Internationals in Lauderhill, Florida, followed by three One-Day Internationals in Trinidad and Tobago.

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Set against the backdrop of a stinging T20I series defeat to Bangladesh, this tour marks a renewed push by Pakistan to reassert its credentials in the shorter formats with a balance of firepower, finesse, and fresh faces.

Veterans reunite as Pakistan bolsters white-ball arsenal

For the T20I leg of the tour, beginning July 31, Pakistan’s selectors have reinforced their squad with proven performers in Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali, reuniting a pace trio feared across world cricket. Their inclusion underscores a tactical pivot—replacing experimentation with experience.

Faheem Ashraf, who shone in Pakistan’s final T20I against Bangladesh, retains his place, while Salman Mirza misses out. Salman Ali Agha, who captained during the Bangladesh series, continues to lead the T20I squad as Pakistan eyes redemption in Florida.

From redemption to record-breaking: Hasan Nawaz’s rollercoaster debut

All eyes will also be on 22-year-old Hasan Nawaz, a name that has sparked both curiosity and excitement. In March, Nawaz endured a nightmare start to his international career with back-to-back ducks against New Zealand. But in a stunning turnaround, he silenced critics by scoring the fastest T20I century by a Pakistani in his third appearance—a whirlwind rise that has earned him a spot in both squads.

When the tour shifts to Trinidad for the ODI series beginning August 8, Pakistan will be led by the ever-reliable Mohammad Rizwan, now entrusted with full captaincy duties. He will marshal a fully experienced ODI squad, featuring the return of Babar Azam and other seasoned campaigners like Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, and Naseem Shah.

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The selection signals intent: Pakistan is coming not just to compete, but to dominate.

Pakistan’s touring squads at a glance

T20I Squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim

ODI Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.

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With the inclusion of battle-tested stars and rising talents, Pakistan’s selectors have made their intentions clear: the Caribbean is not a vacation—it’s a mission. With West Indies eager to defend their turf and Pakistan determined to rebuild momentum ahead of future global tournaments, fans can expect a series filled with fire, flair, and fierce competition.

 

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