Pakistan Announces Squad for Sri Lanka T20I Series, Excludes Stars

Pakistan's cricket selectors have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, notably excluding star players Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan to allow them to fulfill commitments in Australia's Big Bash League. The series, scheduled for January 7, 9 and 11 in Dambulla, serves as a key preparation for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, where Pakistan will play all its matches in Sri Lanka.

The squad, led by Salman Ali Agha, who has captained Pakistan in a record 34 T20 internationals this year, includes the return of allrounder Shadab Khan after a six-month absence due to shoulder surgery. Shadab, who last featured in a T20I during the home series against Bangladesh in June 2025, has regained full fitness and is currently playing for the Sydney Thunder in the BBL. His recall highlights the team's rotation strategy ahead of the global tournament.

Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay earns his maiden call-up to the senior side. The 23-year-old has impressed with 688 runs in 32 T20 matches at a strike rate of 132.81, including a strong performance of 178 runs at 243.83 in the recent Abu Dhabi T10 league. Nafay...