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Pakistan T20I Squad for Sri Lanka tour announced; Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi OUT

Debashis Sarangi

Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi [Source: AFP]Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi [Source: AFP]

In a major development, the PCB selection committee, on Sunday, announced Pakistan's T20I squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Ace batter Babar Azam and experienced fast bowler Shaheen Afridi have been excluded from the team. The Men in Green have recalled veteran allrounder Shadab Khan for the Sri Lanka series, which will serve as their final dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup 2026. 

Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi absent in Pakistan T20I squad for SL series

Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi haven't been included in the Pakistan squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Although the PCB hasn't stated any specific reason for their omission, Babar and Shaheen's commitment to the Big Bash League seems to have played a role in it. 

On the other hand, despite featuring in the BBL, Shadab Khan makes a much-awaited return to T20Is, with Pakistan aiming to revamp their middle order ahead of the T20 World Cup. Wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay has been added to the team as Babar's replacement, while Shadab comes in for Shaheen Afridi. 

Shadab Khan returns; Khawaja Nafay gets a call-up

Shadab underwent shoulder surgery earlier this year, thereby missing several crucial international assignments, including the Asia Cup. 

Therefore, with Pakistan struggling to settle their middle order, Shadab's experience and incredible all-round attributes provide them with much-needed boost ahead of the T20 World Cup. Shadab, who has represented Pakistan in 188 international matches, played his last T20I against Bangladesh in June this year.

On the other hand, the inclusion of Khawaja Nafay holds significant importance, considering Pakistan will miss a reliable anchor like Babar Azam at the top order. In 32 T20s, Nafay has amassed 688 runs at a decent strike rate of 132.81 and will form Pakistan's core batting group alongside Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan. 

Faheem, Fakhar, Nawaz to play key roles alongside Naseem and Wasim Jr

While Usman Khan retains his spot as the wicketkeeper, veteran batter Fakhar Zaman is expected to play a vital role for Pakistan along with the in-form allrounders' duo of Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz. 

Abrar Ahmed will spearhead Pakistan's spin unit with Usman Tariq, Shadab and Nawaz. Meanwhile, the pace battery will be led by Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Salman Mirza in Shaheen Afridi's absence. 

As the PCB revealed, the Pakistan team will depart for Sri Lanka in the first week of January. The T20Is will be played on January 7, 9 and 11 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. 

Pakistan's T20I squad for Sri Lanka series

Salman Ali Agha (C), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (WK), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (Wk), Usman Tariq