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Abdullah Zahid
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka, with all-rounder Salman Ali Agha retaining the captaincy.
The announcement comes as Pakistan gears up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, where the Green Shirts will play all their group-stage matches in Colombo.
Notably absent from the squad are several senior players, including former captain Babar Azam, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, and fast bowler Haris Rauf. These omissions are due to their commitments in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), where they have signed contracts for the full season after receiving No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the PCB prior to the series scheduling.
In a positive development, leg-spinning all-rounder Shadab Khan makes a welcome return to the T20I setup after a prolonged injury layoff. Shadab, who underwent shoulder surgery earlier in 2025 and last played for Pakistan in June, has fully recovered and will prioritize national duty despite also featuring in the BBL.
A highlight of the squad is the maiden call-up for uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Mohammad Nafay. The 23-year-old right-hander from Karachi has impressed in domestic cricket and with Pakistan Shaheens, boasting a strike rate of nearly 133 in 32 T20 matches. His inclusion signals the PCB’s intent to inject fresh talent ahead of the global event.
Pakistan’s Squad for Sri Lanka T20I Series:
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
- Abdul Samad
- Abrar Ahmad
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (Wicketkeeper)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Salman Mirza
- Mohammad Wasim Jr.
- Naseem Shah
- Sahibzada Farhan (Wicketkeeper)
- Saim Ayub
- Shadab Khan
- Usman Khan (Wicketkeeper)
- Usman Tariq
The series, seen as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup starting February 7, 2026, will be played entirely at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla due to ongoing renovations at other venues.
Series Schedule:
- 1st T20I: January 7, 2026
- 2nd T20I: January 9, 2026
- 3rd T20I: January 11, 2026
The Pakistani team is expected to depart for Sri Lanka in early January. Cricket experts believe this tour offers an ideal platform to test emerging players and fine-tune combinations on subcontinental pitches similar to those expected at the World Cup.
Captain Salman Ali Agha, who has led Pakistan in a record 34 T20Is this calendar year—the most by any Pakistani player—emphasized continuity in leadership and squad selection. Fans are optimistic about the revamped unit’s performance under his guidance, viewing the series as a stepping stone toward a strong showing in the upcoming marquee tournament.
This strategic squad selection reflects Pakistan’s balanced approach: honoring franchise commitments while prioritizing World Cup readiness and nurturing new talent. As the countdown to the global spectacle begins, all eyes will be on how this group performs in the island nation.
