In a surprising development, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Haris Rauf are not part of Pakistan’s upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. Pakistan announced the squad with several new faces on Sunday.
This series is Pakistan’s last T20I assignment before the T20 World Cup starts. Yet, some of the regular players are missing due to their Big Bash League commitments.
Uncapped Khawaja Nafay Included, Shadab Khan Returns
The PCB selectors decided to give a chance to a mix of returning names and emerging talent. One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay, who earns his maiden call-up after consistent performances for Pakistan Shaheens. He has featured in 32 T20s so far and has impressed with a strike rate of over 132.
All-rounder Shadab Khan returns to the T20I setup after being on the sidelines since June. Following surgery and rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, Shadab has returned to competitive cricket.
Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the side. The Pakistan squad will leave for Sri Lanka in the first week of January. All three matches of the series will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla on January 7, 9 and 11.
Final Preparation
This series is important for Pakistan as it gives them a final chance to prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The tournament will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, with Pakistan playing all their matches in Colombo. Pakistan is drawn in Group B, where they will face India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA.
Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka T20Is:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq
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