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3 players who could be dropped from Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad upon failing vs SL

Debashis Sarangi

Pakistan have yet to reveal their T20 WC squad [Source: AFP]Pakistan have yet to reveal their T20 WC squad [Source: AFP]

Recently, the PCB announced Pakistan's squad for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan will lock horns with Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series in order to prepare for the T20 World Cup. 

The experienced trio of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf won't feature in the Sri Lanka series, as the PCB has granted them NOCs to participate in the Big Bash League. While Khawaja Nafay got a surprise entry into the team as a top-order batter in Babar's absence, Shadab Khan made a much-awaited comeback to the side after recovering from a shoulder injury. 

As Pakistan have yet to announce their T20 World Cup squad, here are three players who could be sidelined from the marquee event if they fail to prove their mettle in the Sri Lanka series. 

Naseem Shah

Why Naseem Shah could be dropped from PAK T20 WC squad upon failing vs SL

Criterion
Data
Matches14
Wickets14
Average31.43
Strike Rate20.57
Economy9.17

(Naseem Shah's T20I record since 2024)

  • Naseem Shah is known for his skills with the new ball. When on song, the right-pacer can trouble the opponent batters with his pace and movement. Having said that, Naseem Shah hasn't been at his best in T20Is of late. 
  • The speedster has bagged only one wicket on average in his last 14 appearances, registering an unimpressive economy rate of 9.17. 
  • So, considering Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will likely return to the Pakistan squad for the T20 World Cup, Naseem could be snubbed if he doesn't step up with the ball against Sri Lanka.

Mohammad Wasim Jr

Why Mohammad Wasim Jr could be dropped from PAK T20 WC squad upon failing vs SL

Criterion
Data
Matches5
Wickets2
Average75
Strike Rate57
Economy7.89

(Wasim Jr's T20I record since 2024)

  • Just like Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr is another Pakistan pacer who desperately needs some breakthrough performances to keep his T20 World Cup chances alive. 
  • Although he has been more economical than Naseem, Wasim Jr's failure to bag wickets was quite evident in the T20I tri-series earlier this year. 
  • So, given that Shaheen and Rauf will likely be a part of Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad and Salman Mirza (16 wickets in 11 T20Is, economy - 6.36) and Faheem Ashraf (24 T20I wickets at a strike rate of 15.58 in 2025) have performed brilliantly in recent times, Wasim Jr might lose his spot in the team if he doesn't deliver the goods against Sri Lanka. 

Abdul Samad

Why Abdul Samad could be dropped from PAK T20 WC squad upon failing vs SL

Criterion
Data
Matches5
Runs
66
Average16.5
Strike Rate113.8

(Abdul Samad's T20I record)

  • As evidenced by the above stats, middle-order batter Abdul Samad has had a middling T20I career so far, amassing 66 runs across five outings at a modest strike rate of 113.8. Renowned for his clean-striking abilities, Samad has yet to fulfil his potential at the highest level. 
  • Although he has been included in the Pakistan squad for the Sri Lanka T20Is, Samad could be snubbed for the T20 World Cup if his competitors, especially Khawaja Nafay and Usman Khan, outshine him with the bat in the upcoming three-match series.