T20I: Pakistan has named a refreshed T20I squad for next month’s three-match series against Sri Lanka, with several high-profile stars missing as the team’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup gather momentum.
The series, scheduled to be played entirely in Dambulla, will serve as a crucial testing ground as Pakistan fine-tunes combinations ahead of the global event beginning on February 7.
Babar, Shaheen, Rizwan Among Notable Absentees
In a significant call by the selectors, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan have all been left out of the squad.
The quartet will instead be featuring in Australia’s Big Bash League during the same window, prompting Pakistan to explore fresh options and bench strength in their absence.
Their omission opens the door for a new-look side, giving emerging players an opportunity to stake a claim for World Cup selection.
Maiden Call-Up for Khawaja Nafay
The biggest talking point from the announcement is the inclusion of Khawaja Nafay, who has earned his first-ever T20I call-up. The uncapped keeper-batter has impressed in domestic cricket and now gets a chance to prove himself at the international level.
His selection underlines Pakistan’s intent to widen their pool of wicketkeeping and middle-order options.
Shadab Returns, Salman Ali Agha to Lead
All-rounder Shadab Khan makes his return to the T20I setup, adding balance and experience to the squad.
Meanwhile, Salman Ali Agha has been entrusted with the captaincy for the Sri Lanka series, a clear signal that Pakistan are experimenting with leadership roles ahead of the World Cup.
The squad will be used as a final evaluation platform as Pakistan look to settle on their best playing group for the global tournament.
World Cup Focus: Group B Challenge Awaits
Pakistan have been placed in Group B for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where they will face strong competition from India, Namibia, Netherlands and USA in the first round.
With tough fixtures lined up, performances in Sri Lanka could play a decisive role in shaping the final World Cup squad.
Pakistan Squad for Sri Lanka T20I Series
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20I Series Schedule
- First T20I: January 7 – Dambulla
- Second T20I: January 9 – Dambulla
- Third T20I: January 11 – Dambulla
A Defining Series Ahead
With senior stars missing and several new faces in contention, the Sri Lanka series promises to be a defining chapter in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup build-up.
Strong performances could fast-track players into World Cup plans, while the team management gets a clearer picture of depth, flexibility and leadership options heading into the biggest stage.
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