Pakistan T20I Squad vs Sri Lanka: Babar Azam, Rizwan Left Out; Full List of Players Named

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The Pakistan Cricket board has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, bringing back all-rounder Shadab Khan.

The series is set for next month at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) in Dambulla on January 7, 9, and 11.

Salman Ali Agha, who holds the record for most T20I appearances by a Pakistani this year with 34 matches, will continue as captain.

Shaheen Afridi, who suffered an injury in the Big Bash League, has also not been named in the team for the series. The Pakistan pacer is set to miss out, which puts his World Cup chances in jeopardy as well.

The 27-year-old Shadab last played for Pakistan in June before undergoing shoulder surgery. He completed a successful rehab at the National Cricket Academy and is now competing in Australia's Big Bash League (BBL).

Newcomer Khawaja Nafay, an uncapped 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, adds fresh talent after featuring for Pakistan Shaheens. In 32 T20 games, the right-hander has struck at 132.81. Meanwhile, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan remain out of the squad, indicating their selection status ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan's team departs for Sri Lanka in early January. This series offers a key chance to lock in the lineup for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, where Pakistan will play all their games in Colombo.

Pakistan T20I Squad vs Sri Lanka

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