NEW DELHI: Pakistan have recalled all-rounder Shadab Khan for next month’s T20I series in Sri Lanka, but have opted not to bring back senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi from the Big Bash League in Australia.
Shadab returns to the national setup for the three-match series starting January 7, 2026, after being out since June following shoulder surgery. He recently made his comeback to competitive cricket in the Big Bash League, where his performances have stood out compared to other Pakistan players.
Babar, Shaheen, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali and Muhammad Rizwan, who are also featuring in the BBL, have not been included and will continue their commitments in Australia.
All five players had earlier informed the Pakistan Cricket Board that they were willing to return if required.
However, since the PCB had assured Cricket Australia that Pakistan players signed for the BBL would be available for the full season, the board decided to rely on its existing bench strength for the Sri Lanka tour.
Squad selection raises eyebrows
Apart from the inclusion of uncapped batter Khawaja Nafay and the recall of Abdul Samad, there are no major surprises in the 15-member squad, which will be led by Salman Ali Agha.
Nafay’s selection has raised eyebrows, given his modest domestic record, especially with the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka approaching early next year.
Pakistan are scheduled to play all their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, and senior players had earlier conveyed their desire to feature in the series to familiarize themselves with local conditions.
Squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Saim Ayub, Sahabzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Muhammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Usman Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza and Muhammad Waseem junior.
(With PTI Inputs)
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