Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled its 15-member T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka, but the announcement has drawn widespread attention because Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, along with several other senior stars, were notably absent. The series is scheduled to begin on January 7, 2026 in Dambulla as Pakistan prepares for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Senior Stars Missing Due to BBL and Other Commitments
One of the key talking points around the squad is the absence of established players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Haris Rauf. These stars are currently in Australia playing the Big Bash League (BBL) and have been allowed to continue their commitments there, reflecting a broader agreement between the PCB and Cricket Australia to support players’ franchise cricket participation.
Shadab Khan Makes a Comeback
Despite missing a large portion of international cricket due to a shoulder injury, all-rounder Shadab Khan has been recalled to Pakistan’s T20 squad. The 27-year-old recovered after undergoing successful surgery and rehabilitation and has been playing in the Big Bash League, where he impressed selectors enough to earn his place back ahead of this important preparatory series.
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Shadab’s return adds balance to the squad, providing both spin bowling and middle order depth — crucial roles Pakistan will look to fine-tune before the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka beginning in February 2026.
Pakistan’s T20I Squad for Sri Lanka Series
Here is the full squad named by the PCB for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka:
- Salman Ali Agha (captain)
- Abdul Samad
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Khawaja Nafay (wk)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Salman Mirza
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
- Naseem Shah
- Sahibzada Farhan (wk)
- Saim Ayub
- Shadab Khan
- Usman Khan (wk)
- Usman Tariq
The series kicks off on January 7, followed by two more T20Is on January 9 and 11, all of which will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka. This outing gives Pakistan a vital opportunity to test a blend of experience and fresh talent ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Strategic Approach Ahead of the World Cup
The squad’s composition reflects Pakistan’s dual focus: giving emerging players international exposure and ensuring senior pros gain high-intensity tournament experience in leagues like the BBL. With the World Cup’s preliminary squad deadline set for early January, performances in this Sri Lanka series will heavily influence final selections.
