Pakistan Announce Squad for Sri Lanka T20I Series

"The series will help Pakistan fine-tune combinations ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup."

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled in Dambulla on January 7, 9, and 11, 2026. Salman Ali Agha will lead the team as captain.

The squad blends experienced players with promising newcomers. Shadab Khan returns after recovering from shoulder surgery, bringing his all-round skills back to the side. Khawaja Nafay earns his first call-up as a wicketkeeper-batter, offering fresh options to the team.

Several senior stars, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Haris Rauf, are unavailable as they participate in the Big Bash League in Australia. This gives the new-look squad a chance to prove themselves in international conditions.

Pakistan will use the series to fine-tune their combinations and strategies ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The team aims to build momentum and test bench strength, with players like Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Abdul Samad, and Shadab Khan expected to play key roles in the campaign.