Pakistan have announced a 15-member squad for the crucial three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka, a tour regarded as an important step in preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The national team will travel to Sri Lanka in phases on January 4 and 5, 2026, with Salman Ali Agha appointed as captain for the series.
The squad selection has generated significant discussion, highlighted by the return of Shadab Khan to the T20 side after recovering from shoulder surgery. His comeback adds experience and balance to the team at a key stage of Pakistan’s white-ball planning. Another major development is the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Muhammad Nafiq, who has earned his maiden call-up to the national T20 squad following impressive domestic performances.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka will face each other in three T20Is, all scheduled to take place in Dambulla on January 7, 9, and 11. The series is expected to serve as a crucial opportunity for players to stake their claim for a place in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, making performances particularly significant.
The selected squad includes Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Muhammad Nafiq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, and Usman Tariq.
Several senior players will miss the tour, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf, who are currently featuring in Australia’s Big Bash League. Shaheen Afridi is also sidelined due to a knee injury, further limiting Pakistan’s experienced options. In recent league matches, Shadab Khan Breaks Shahid Afridi’s T20 Wicket Record
With a new captain, emerging talent, and the absence of key stars, the Sri Lanka T20 series is expected to be highly competitive and could play a decisive role in shaping Pakistan’s future in T20 cricket.
