Pakistan have unveiled a new-look T20I squad for next month’s three-match series against Sri Lanka, with some of their biggest stars set to miss the tour as they continue featuring in the Big Bash League (BBL). With the T20 World Cup just weeks away, the series will play a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s final tournament squad, and it’s also a huge opportunity for fresh faces to step up.
Superstars stay away — New talent steps in
For the Sri Lanka series, Pakistan will be without Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali, all of whom are staying on duty in the BBL. That opens the door for uncapped 23-year-old Khawaja Nafay, the aggressive right-hand batter and part-time wicketkeeper, who earns his first senior call-up after impressive outings for Pakistan Shaheens and strong T20 numbers, 688 runs at a strike rate of 132.81 in 32 matches.
Allrounder Shadab Khan makes his long-awaited return, having recovered from shoulder surgery after last playing international cricket in June. The leg-spinning all-rounder has already returned to competitive action in the BBL and strengthens both Pakistan’s spin attack and middle-order power.
Salman Ali Agha continues as Captain
With several senior figures away, Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead Pakistan, guiding a squad designed to test depth, combinations, and temperament under pressure. The Sri Lanka series represents Pakistan’s final competitive preparation before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, beginning 7 February. Pakistan have been drawn in Group B alongside India, Namibia, Netherlands and USA, meaning selection clarity now is vital.
A chance – And a test
This is a huge opportunity for fringe and returning players to press their case. Pakistan will look closely at roles, not just form, especially finishing options, spin control through the middle overs, and flexibility in the batting order. For Nafay, it’s the chance of a lifetime; for Shadab, a vital step back into Pakistan’s core leadership and match strategy.
Sri Lanka will provide challenging subcontinental conditions, and Pakistan’s selectors will want answers, particularly with the absence of their established superstars.
Pakistan squad talking points:
- Shadab Khan returns after surgery and BBL action
- Khawaja Nafay earns maiden call-up
- BBL-based stars Babar, Shaheen, Rizwan & Rauf miss the series
- Salman Ali Agha continues as captain
- Last T20I series before the World Cup
With the countdown to the T20 World Cup officially on, Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka isn’t just another series, it’s an audition, a statement, and a selection battleground.
Pakistan squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq
Series schedule:
- First T20I – January 7, Dambulla
- Second T20I – January 9, Dambulla
- Third T20I – January 11, Dambulla
