Babar Azam's T20 WC selection in dark clouds: Takeaways from Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka T20Is

Key takeaways from PAK T2OI squad vs SL [Source: AFP Photo]

In the latest development, PCB has revealed the Pakistan squad for the T20I series against Sri Lanka, starting next month. With the T20 World Cup set to take place in February, the three-match series provides a great chance for both sides to test their squad combination and test the bench strengths.

Several of the high-profile Pakistan players miss out, and newcomers have been given an opportunity, as there are still places up for grabs in the T20 World Cup squad. With the team revealed for the all-important Sri Lanka series, here are the key takeaways from the squad selection.

1) Babar, Shaheen miss out on a place in the T20I series

Several big names from the team, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf are playing in the Big Bash League, and hence those players have not been picked for the all-important series. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) already had a discussion with Cricket Australia, and CA insisted on having the big names for the entirety of the BBL, to which PCB agreed.

However, this could hamper their T20 World Cup preparations since Pakistan will play all their World Cup games in Sri Lanka, and playing in the three-match series would have given an ideal platform for Babar, and Shaheen to get accustomed to the Lankan pitches.

Moreover, neither Babar nor Shaheen have done wonders in the ongoing BBL tournament. Babar's World Cup selection depended mainly on his performances in the BBL, but with him failing, the team might look elsewhere, especially if someone delivers the goods in the Sri Lanka T20Is.

2) Shadab Khan back in the T20Is

It has been almost six months since Shadab Khan last played for Pakistan in the T20Is, and since then, he has been out of the team, with other all-rounders getting the preference. However, for the Sri Lanka T20Is, the all-rounder was recalled, and this provides a great opportunity for him to cement his place for the World Cup in February.

(Shadab Khan in T20Is)

• One of the most experienced Pakistan players in the squad, Shadab has a wealth of experience and has delivered the goods in the game’s shortest format. He boasts one of the highest T20I strike rate of any member in the current squad, and has also scalped 112 wickets in 112 matches.
• The all-rounder can be a brilliant pinch-hitter down the order and is likely to play as a finisher in the upcoming T20Is.
• On the turning Sri Lankan wickets, Shadab’s leg-break bowling could be useful and hence, he was recalled in the Pakistan team months before the World Cup.

3) Naseem included despite poor performances

Despite not being at his best and not delivering the goods in the T20Is, Naseem Shah was once again included for the Sri Lanka series.  He has been below average in the format, and by including him in the side, the other proven domestic stars were neglected by the selectors.

(Naseem Shah in T20Is)

• Just 29 matches in 33 matches define Naseem’s T20I journey so far. He has done well for Pakistan in the ODIs, but is yet to crack the T20 format, and the numbers reveal the story.
• Moreover, in the year 2025, the Pakistan pacer has played three T20I matches and has only taken 4 wickets, with an average of 23, and an economy of 8.45. Hence, the selectors could have looked elsewhere for a fast bowler instead of trying the same old players.

4) Khawaja Nafay included, Maaz Sadaqat ignored

In a surprising turn of events, the Pakistan selection committee picked up the talented Khawaja Nafay in the T20I setup for the Sri Lanka tour, but they ignored Maaz Sadaqat, who was the star of the Rising Stars Asia Cup.

He finished as the leading run-getter (258), with a strike rate of 129, and despite playing an attacking brand of cricket, he was snubbed for the Sri Lanka series.

Final verdict

For the series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan have made some interesting decisions. While the inclusion of Shadab Khan makes perfect sense, the omission of Babar, and Shaheen does not. The duo will be a part of the T20 World Cup, and by playing in the Lankan conditions, they will have gotten accustomed to how the wickets will play out in the T20 World Cup.

Plus, proven performers like Maaz Sadaqat, who did well in the Rising Stars Asia Cup was also ignored by the selectors.

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