Pakistan’s cricket selectors have announced a revitalized T20 International squad for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka, marking the triumphant return of all-rounder Shadab Khan after his prolonged injury absence. The 27-year-old talent has successfully recovered from shoulder surgery performed in Britain, having been sidelined since June due to the debilitating injury.
The Pakistan Cricket Board revealed that while several senior players including captain Babar Azam and pace spearheads Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali will be unavailable due to commitments in Australia’s Big Bash League, the team features promising new talent. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman Khawaja Nafay earns his maiden call-up following impressive performances with Pakistan’s secondary squad over the past two years.
Salman Ali Agha retains captaincy for the series, which will be held in Dambulla on January 7, 9, and 11. This tour represents Pakistan’s final preparatory phase before the crucial Twenty20 World Cup scheduled for February-March across India and Sri Lanka. The selection strategy appears focused on evaluating both returning veterans and emerging players under competitive conditions.
The complete squad comprises: Salman Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, and Usman Tariq.