LAHORE, Dec 28 (APP): All-rounder Shadab Khan has made his return to the T20I setup as the Men’s National Selection Committee announced a 15-member Pakistan squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled from January 7 to 11, 2026, in Dambulla.
The 27-year-old last represented Pakistan in June this year before undergoing shoulder surgery. Following a successful rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy, Shadab is currently in action in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), marking his return to competitive cricket.
However, Pakistan’s T20I top run-scorer Babar Azam and frontline pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have been left out of the squad as they continue to fulfill their commitments in the BBL. Babar is featuring for the Sydney Sixers, while Shaheen and Haris are representing the Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars, respectively.
Salman Ali Agha, who featured in a record 34 T20I matches in 2025—the most by any Pakistan player in a calendar year—will continue to lead the side in the upcoming series.
Another notable inclusion is uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay. The 23-year-old right-hander, who has been part of the Pakistan Shaheens setup, has played 32 T20 matches and boasts a strike rate of 132.81.
The Pakistan team is set to depart for Sri Lanka in the first week of January, with all three matches to be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS).
The series will serve as a crucial preparation phase for Pakistan ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan will play all their World Cup matches in Colombo.
Pakistan T20I Squad (15 members):
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.
Series Schedule:
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January 7: First T20I
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January 9: Second T20I
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January 11: Third T20I
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