Why Did Babar, Rizwan, Afridi, and Rauf Miss Out on Pakistan's T20I Squad for Sri Lanka?
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Synopsis
Pakistan's T20I squad for the Sri Lanka series is missing key players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who are in the Big Bash League. Excitingly, newcomer Khawaja Nafay joins the team. This series is crucial for preparing for the T20 World Cup in February.
Key Takeaways
- Babar Azam, Rizwan, Afridi, and Rauf are absent due to BBL commitments.
- Khawaja Nafay earns his first international call-up.
- Shadab Khan returns after shoulder surgery.
- The squad is preparing for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
- Matches will be held in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.
Lahore, Dec 28 (NationPress) Pakistan has unveiled its T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series in Sri Lanka, notably missing several prominent players including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan, all of whom are currently engaged in Australia’s Big Bash League.
In an exciting development, uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay has received his first international call-up. The 23-year-old right-handed player has been part of the Pakistan Shaheens and has played 32 T20 matches, boasting a strike rate of 132.81.
All-rounder Shadab Khan will make his return to the T20I lineup as selectors announced a 15-member squad for next month’s series. Salman Ali Agha, who has set a record with 34 T20I matches this year—more than any Pakistani player—will continue to lead the newly formed team.
Shadab, 27, who underwent shoulder surgery earlier this year, has made a successful recovery at the National Cricket Academy and is now competing in the BBL.
The Pakistani team is scheduled to depart for Sri Lanka in the first week of January. The trio of T20I matches will be hosted at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) in Dambulla on January 7, 9, and 11.
This series presents Pakistan with an opportunity to finalize their roster for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is set to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. All of Pakistan’s matches in the World Cup will occur in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Pakistan is positioned in Group B for the forthcoming World Cup and will compete against India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA during the initial round.
Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka T20Is:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
Series Schedule:
First T20I, January 7, Dambulla
Second T20I, January 9, Dambulla
Third T20I, January 11, Dambulla
Point of View
It is our duty to keep our readers informed on the evolving dynamics of the Pakistan cricket team. The absence of key players raises questions about the team's strategy leading into the World Cup, while the inclusion of fresh talent like Khawaja Nafay highlights the selectors' vision for the future.
NationPress
05/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Babar Azam and other key players missing?
Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf are currently participating in Australia's Big Bash League.
Who is Khawaja Nafay?
Khawaja Nafay is a 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter who has received his first call-up to the national team after performing well in domestic T20 matches.
When are the T20I matches scheduled?
The T20I matches are scheduled for January 7, 9, and 11 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.
What is the significance of this series?
This series will help Pakistan finalize their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in February.
Who will lead the Pakistan team in this series?
Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the team as captain.
