Pakistan shocked the cricket world with the announcement of the T20I squad for the Sri Lanka tour, as the selectors have made some bold decisions, and are missing several big names, which highlights how they want to try new combinations as the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 approaches.
Pakistan announces squad for Sri Lanka T20I; Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi out
On Sunday, October 28, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-member T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka, with significant changes made to the squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, starting in India and the island nation from February 7.
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In a major change, former Pakistan captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan as well as fast bowler Shaheen Afridi have been rested for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. His absence paves the way for a new lineup under captain Salman Ali Aga.
Babar, Rizwan, Afridi and Rauf are set to miss the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I series due to their commitments in the ongoing Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) in Australia.
Pakistan T20I squad for Sri Lanka tour: Full player list
Pakistani team for Sri Lanka tour. pic.twitter.com/g0z1ycKhlA
– Sherry. (@CallMeSheri1_) 28 December 2025
Main selection findings and notable omissions
Major return: Veteran all-rounder Shadab Khan has returned to the Pakistan team after recovering from a shoulder injury and finding form in the ongoing BBL.
New face: 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Khawaja Nafe received his first national call-up after impressive performances for Pakistan Shaheen. He has played 32 T20 matches so far and has scored runs at a strike rate of 132.81.
Notable absences: As confirmed by the PCB, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman are not available for selection as they are currently participating in overseas leagues including the Big Bash League, Bangladesh Premier League and ILT20.
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However, Shaheen’s absence is worrying, as he suffered an injury during Brisbane Heart’s BBL clash against the Adelaide Strikers.
T20 World Cup 2026 implications
This T20I series in Sri Lanka serves as an important audition for Pakistan’s final T20 World Cup 2026 squad. “This series will provide Pakistan an opportunity to finalize its squad for the ICC T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8,” the PCB said.
PAK vs SL T20I Series 2024: Complete Schedule
The PCB has confirmed that the Pakistan team will leave for Sri Lanka in the first week of January, with all three T20 matches to be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) in Dambulla.
The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled as follows:
7 January: 1st T20I, Dambulla
9 January: 2nd T20I, Dambulla
11 January: Third T20 match, Dambulla
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