Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2025/26 marks a crucial preparatory phase ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, featuring a compact three-match T20I series at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. All games—on January 7, 9, and 11—are set as day-night encounters starting at 19:00 local time, offering Pakistan vital match practice in subcontinental conditions. The series underscores PCB’s strategy to test bench strength while senior stars prioritize Big Bash League commitments in Australia.
Babar Azam omitted from announced squad
The Pakistan Cricket Board stunned fans by excluding former captain Babar Azam and even pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi from the 15-member T20I squad for the Sri Lanka tour, alongside Haris Rauf. PCB issued No Objection Certificates for their full BBL participation before the series schedule, prioritizing workload management and overseas exposure over national duty despite reported willingness to return.
Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay, 23, secures his maiden call-up as Babar’s replacement, boasting a 132.81 strike rate across 32 T20s and recent Pakistan Shaheens stints. This refreshed lineup, blending experience like Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah with prospects like Saim Ayub, aims to finalize World Cup combinations in Group B against India, Namibia, Netherlands, and USA.
Shadab Khan returns to the national side
All-rounder Shadab Khan earns a timely recall after shoulder surgery and rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, last playing T20Is in June 2025; he currently shines in BBL, bolstering Pakistan’s middle order ahead of the World Cup.
The tour departs Pakistan in phases on January 4-5, supported by a robust staff including head coach Mike Hesson. Dambulla’s batting-friendly pitches historically favour high scores, challenging Pakistan’s revamp against a resurgent Sri Lanka side. This bold selection signals PCB’s long-term vision, blending youth infusion with strategic rotations to peak for the February 7-March 8 World Cup across India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s T20I squad for the tour of Sri Lanka
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
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