Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup have taken a fresh turn, with several high-profile names missing from the squad announced for next month’s three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have all been left out as they continue their commitments in Australia’s Big Bash League, giving Pakistan’s selectors an opportunity to assess new combinations ahead of the global tournament starting in February.
The absence of the senior quartet has opened the door for fresh faces, with uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay earning his maiden call-up. The series is expected to play a key role in finalising Pakistan’s playing group for the T20 World Cup.
Salman Ali Agha will lead the side, while all-rounder Shadab Khan makes his return as Pakistan opt for a new-look squad that blends experience with experimentation. The management is keen to test depth and flexibility as the World Cup draws closer.
Pakistan have been drawn in Group B of the upcoming tournament, alongside India, Namibia, Netherlands and the USA. With a demanding group stage ahead, performances in Sri Lanka could prove decisive for several players pushing for World Cup spots.
The three matches, all scheduled in Dambulla, will offer Pakistan a valuable chance to sharpen their combinations in match conditions, even in the absence of some of their biggest stars.
Pakistan T20I squad vs Sri Lanka
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
- 1st T20I: January 7 – Dambulla
- 2nd T20I: January 9 – Dambulla
- 3rd T20I: January 11 – Dambulla
