Key Points
- Shadab Khan returns to the team recovering from shoulder surgery
- Salman Ali Agha remains captain, with Khawaja Nafay earning his first call up
- The series is a key part of preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board on Sunday announced a 15-member men’s squad for the upcoming three-match Twenty20 International series against Sri Lanka, bringing back all-rounder Shadab Khan after injury and handing a maiden call-up to wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay.
The series, scheduled to be played entirely in Dambulla on January 7, 9 and 11, will mark Pakistan’s first international assignment of the New Year and an early step in shaping combinations for a packed 2026 season.
In its press release, the PCB said Shadab Khan had returned to full fitness following shoulder surgery and completed his rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy. “Following a successful rehabilitation programme, the all-rounder has regained full fitness,” the board said, signalling confidence in one of Pakistan’s most experienced T20 performers.
Salman Ali Agha has been retained as captain, continuing the leadership role he has held in recent months. “Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the side,” the PCB stated, underlining the selectors’ intention to provide continuity at the top.
A key talking point in the squad is the inclusion of Khawaja Nafay, who has yet to make his international debut. The PCB said the selection reflected his consistent performances in domestic cricket and his progress through development pathways, as Pakistan look to broaden their options in the middle order and behind the stumps.
The squad blends established names such as Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Nawaz with players still seeking to cement their places, including Saim Ayub and Abdul Samad. The board said the Sri Lanka series would allow the team management to assess depth and flexibility in conditions similar to those expected later in the year.
Pakistan are due to depart for Sri Lanka in the first week of January. All matches will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, a venue known as good for spinners, which is expected to provide a useful test for Pakistan’s bowling resources.
Squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq.
