Babar Azam not included in Pakistan’s T20 team for Sri Lanka series

Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka in 2025/26 marks an important initial step ahead of ICC Men’s T20 World CupFeaturing a compact three-match T20I series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. All games—on January 7, 9, and 11—are scheduled as day-night fixtures, starting at 19:00 local time. Pakistan Important match practice in subcontinental conditions. The series underlines PCB’s strategy to test bench strength while giving priority to senior stars big bash league Commitments in Australia

Babar Azam was dropped from the announced team

pakistan cricket board Surprised the fans by ousting the former captain Babar Azam And even the fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi 15-member T20I squad for Sri Lanka tour Haris RaufThe PCB issued a no-objection certificate for its full BBL participation ahead of the series schedule, citing workload management and prioritizing overseas performances over national duty despite a desire to return,

Uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman Khwaja NafeThe 23-year-old has earned his first call-up as Babar’s replacement, having played 32 T20s and boasting a 132.81 strike rate during his recent stint with Pakistan. This fresh lineup is like a blending experience Fakhar Zaman And Naseem Shah with possibilities like Saim Ayyubaims to finalize World Cup combinations in Group B India, Namibia, Netherlands, And usa,

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Shadab Khan returns to the national team

all-rounder Shadab Khan Making a timely return after shoulder surgery and rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, he last played a T20I in June 2025; He is currently shining in the BBL and is strengthening Pakistan’s middle order ahead of the World Cup.

The tour will depart from Pakistan in stages on January 4-5, supported by a strong staff including the head coach mike hessonDambulla’s batting-friendly pitches have historically favored high scores, making Pakistan’s improvement challenging against an emerging Sri Lankan team, This bold selection is indicative of the PCB’s long-term vision, with a mix of youth at its peak along with strategic rotation for the World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8,

Pakistan’s T20I team for Sri Lanka tour

Salman Ali Aga (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafe (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim AyyubShadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq

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