Shadab Back, New Faces In: Pakistan Name T20I Squad for Sri Lanka

Pakistan have brought back all-rounder Shadab Khan to their T20 International setup after announcing a 15-player squad for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka, which will take place next month.

Salman Ali Agha will continue as captain, having been Pakistan’s most-used T20I player in 2025 with appearances in a record 34 matches during the year.

Shadab, 27, makes his return after last playing for Pakistan in June. He had undergone shoulder surgery earlier this year and completed his recovery at the National Cricket Academy. Following a successful rehabilitation, the all-rounder has resumed competitive cricket and is currently plying his trade in Australia’s Big Bash League.

Another fresh face in the squad is wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay, who is yet to make his international debut. The 23-year-old, who recently represented Pakistan Shaheens, has played 32 T20 games and has an impressive strike rate of 132.81.

The Pakistan team is expected to travel to Sri Lanka in the opening week of January. All three matches of the series will be staged at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla on January 7, 9 and 11.

This series will play an important role in Pakistan’s build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan are set to play all of their World Cup fixtures in Colombo.

Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka T20Is:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq.

Match schedule:
January 7 – First T20I
January 9 – Second T20I
January 11 – Third T20I