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Pakistan to skip training camp before Sri Lanka T20I series; reason revealed

Rajgeeta Yadav

Pakistan team [Source: AFP]Pakistan team [Source: AFP]

The Pakistan team will not hold a training camp before leaving for their upcoming T20 International series against Sri Lanka. According to sources, the team will travel directly to Sri Lanka without the usual pre-departure preparations at home.

Notably, Pakistan are scheduled to play three T20I matches against Sri Lanka on January 7, 9, and 11. This series is important because it will help the team prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. 

Normally, teams arrange training camps before overseas tours. However, this time Pakistan have decided not to follow that routine.

No pre-departure training camp for Pakistan team

One of the main reasons for skipping the camp is that most of the team’s coaching staff will join the squad directly in Sri Lanka. This includes head coach Mike Hesson, bowling coach Ashley Noffke, fielding coach Shane McDermott, physiotherapist Cliffe Deacon, and fitness coach Grant Luden.

These foreign coaches had earlier returned to their home countries for Christmas and New Year holidays after the T20I tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe ended on November 29.

Pakistan players set to arrive in Sri Lanka on January 4 and 5

Meanwhile, the Pakistan players are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka on January 4 and 5. At the same time, several players are currently busy playing in different franchise leagues around the world. These players have been given the option to join the team directly in Sri Lanka instead of returning to Pakistan first.

In terms of team selection, all-rounder Shadab Khan has been recalled for the series. He is making a comeback after being out since June due to shoulder surgery. Recently, he returned to competitive cricket through the Big Bash League in Australia, where he performed better than other Pakistani players. 

On the other hand, senior players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, who are also playing in the BBL, have not been selected. Along with them, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Rizwan were also left out.

Another surprising decision is the inclusion of uncapped batter Khawaja Nafay. His selection has raised questions, especially since this series is seen as a key step toward World Cup preparation.

Overall, the Sri Lanka tour will act as a warm-up series for Pakistan. After this, Pakistan will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 10, hoping the experience gained in Sri Lanka will help them perform strongly on the big stage.