Sunday, December 28, 2025 | delhi | Posted Time: 06:35 PM updated time: 06:35 PM
The Pakistan Cricket Team has announced a surprising 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. This series is very important as it serves as a preparation ground for the T20 World Cup. However, fans were shocked to see that big names like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf are missing from the list. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided not to include them because they are currently playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia. The board wants to honor their overseas contracts. Therefore, these stars will only return once their BBL commitments are over.
Shadab Khan Returns to the Squad
A major highlight for the Pakistan Cricket Team is the return of star all-rounder Shadab Khan. The 27-year-old had been away from international cricket since June this year due to a shoulder injury. After a successful surgery and a long recovery period at the National Cricket Academy, he is finally back in action. Currently, Shadab is also playing in the BBL to regain his match fitness. His return adds much-needed balance to the team, especially with his leg-spin and explosive batting in the middle order.
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New Faces and Leadership
The Pakistan Cricket Team will continue to be led by Salman Ali Agha. He has shown good leadership skills recently and will guide a mix of experienced and young players. One of the most exciting additions is the uncapped wicketkeeper-batter, Khawaja Nafay. The 23-year-old earned his spot after performing well for the Pakistan Shaheens. He is known for his aggressive batting style and has a strike rate of over 132 in T20s. Along with him, players like Saim Ayub and Naseem Shah will be key figures in the series against the Lankans.
Missing Stars and World Cup Plans
While Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are expected to join the Pakistan Cricket Team for the World Cup, the situation for Mohammad Rizwan looks different. Reports suggest that Rizwan might be snubbed for the mega event in India and Sri Lanka. He has been out of the T20 format for nearly a year now. This series in Dambulla is a final chance for the management to test their bench strength. If the young players perform well, it might lead to more permanent changes in the World Cup squad.
15-member squad
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq.
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Schedule and Venue Details
The Pakistan Cricket Team is scheduled to leave for Sri Lanka in the first week of January. All three T20I matches will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. The matches are set for January 7, 9, and 11. This short series is a crucial step before the T20 World Cup starts in February. Since Pakistan will play all their World Cup matches in Colombo, getting used to the Sri Lankan conditions early is a very smart move by the PCB.
Key Highlights: Pakistan Cricket Team Squad Update
- Major Absentees: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan are not in the squad.
- BBL Commitments: Key players stay in Australia to finish their Big Bash League contracts.
- Shadab’s Return: All-rounder Shadab Khan returns after a successful shoulder surgery.
- New Talent: 23-year-old Khawaja Nafay receives his maiden call-up as a wicketkeeper-batter.
- Captaincy: Salman Ali Agha will lead the 15-member squad in Sri Lanka.
- Match Schedule: Three T20Is will be played in Dambulla on January 7, 9, and 11.
- World Cup Prep: The series is the final testing ground before the T20 World Cup begins in February.
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