New Delhi: Pakistan will head into the new year with a fresh-looking T20I squad as they set up preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The selectors have opted to rest several senior players for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, giving opportunities to a mix of returning faces and new talent.
Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have all been left out of the squad, with the quartet set to feature in Australia’s Big Bash League. Their absence means the series will serve as a testing ground for Pakistan’s depth as the team looks to finalise its core group ahead of the global tournament beginning from February 7.
Who all are part of the team?
Salman Ali Agha has been named captain for the Sri Lanka tour, marking another step in Pakistan’s effort to broaden its leadership options in the shortest format. One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khwaja Nafay, who has earned his first call-up after impressive domestic performances.
Shadab Khan returns to the T20I setup, offering experience and balance to a squad that blends youth with proven performers. In the batting section, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Usman Khan are expected to play key roles as Pakistan look to maintain their aggressive approach.
The bowling unit also reflects the selectors’ intent to experiment. Naseem Shah’s presence adds quality and control, while the likes of Abrar Ahmad, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Usman Tariq will be keen to make strong impressions in competitive conditions.
Pakistan have been drawn in Group B for the T20 World Cup and will face India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA in the first round. The Sri Lanka series, which is scheduled in Dambulla from January 1 to 11, offers valuable match time before the pressure of a global event.
With several senior stars missing, the spotlight will be firmly on those given the chance to stake their claim. The young stars’ consistent performances in this series could go a long way in shaping Pakistan’s final World Cup squad.
Pakistan squad:
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.