Squad announced for Pak Vs SL T20 series; Shaheen, Babar left out

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha named captain for the Pak vs SL tour.

The series marks an important phase in Pakistan’s T20 preparations, as selectors look to fine-tune combinations ahead of the next T20 World Cup. One of the major highlights of the squad is the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batsman Khawaja Nafee, who has earned his maiden call-up to the national T20 side following consistent domestic performances.

Experienced all-rounder Shadab Khan has also made his return to the T20 setup after recovering from shoulder surgery, adding balance and leadership to the squad. The team also features a mix of established names and emerging talent, including Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, and Muhammad Nawaz.

The pace and bowling departments are strengthened by the presence of Muhammad Salman Mirza, Muhammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, and Usman Tariq, while the batting unit includes Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan.

The Pakistan team will depart for Sri Lanka in phases on January 4 and 5, 2026. All three T20 Internationals against Sri Lanka will be played at Dambulla, with matches scheduled for January 7, 9, and 11.

The series is expected to play a key role in shaping Pakistan’s final squad for the T20 World Cup, providing selectors with a valuable opportunity to assess form and combinations under competitive conditions.

Notably, senior players Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Haris Rauf have been left out of the squad as they are currently participating in Australia’s Big Bash League.

With a blend of youth, experience, and fresh leadership, Pakistan will be aiming for a strong showing against Sri Lanka as they continue building momentum in the shortest format.