Pakistan has announced squad for the T20 series against Sri Lanka

Pakistan has announced its squad for the T20 series against Sri Lanka. Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf have not been included in the team. The three-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place before the T20 World Cup. These players have been left out of the squad because they are currently playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to honor the players' contracts with their BBL franchises. Babar Azam plays for the Sydney Sixers, while Rizwan plays for the Melbourne Renegades. Rauf plays for the Melbourne Stars, and Shaheen Afridi plays for the Brisbane Heat. These four Pakistani players will return home only after fulfilling their commitments in the BBL.

The team will be captained by Salman Ali Agha

Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf are expected to be included in the T20 World Cup squad. However, Mohammad Rizwan is unlikely to be selected as he has been out of this format for almost a year. Regarding the series against Sri Lanka, all-rounder Shadab Khan has returned to the T20 International team, while Salman Ali Agha will continue as captain. The 27-year-old Shadab last played for Pakistan in June this year and underwent shoulder surgery at the beginning of the year. After successful rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, he is currently also playing in the BBL in Australia.

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Pakistan's 15-member squad for the T20 series against Sri Lanka

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

Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka, 2026

The Pakistan team will depart for Sri Lanka in January, where the three T20 International matches will be played on January 7, 9, and 11 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) in Dambulla. This series will provide Pakistan with an opportunity to finalize their squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka.

Full Schedule: Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka, 2026 Schedule

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