Shadab Khan Returns as Pakistan Name T20I Squad for Sri Lanka Series
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| Pakistan T20I Squad vs Sri Lanka Series 2026 |
Lahore, 28 December 2025 — Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to be played in January 2026. The biggest highlight of the squad announcement is the return of all-rounder Shadab Khan, who makes his comeback after recovering from shoulder surgery earlier this year.
The series is a crucial part of Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March.
Shadab Khan’s Comeback Boosts Pakistan Squad
At 27, Shadab Khan brings experience, balance, and leadership to Pakistan’s T20I setup. The leg-spinning all-rounder last played for Pakistan in June 2025 before undergoing shoulder surgery. After completing a successful rehabilitation program at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Shadab has returned to competitive cricket and is currently featuring in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia.
His inclusion strengthens Pakistan’s middle order and provides a reliable bowling option, especially on Sri Lankan pitches that traditionally assist spinners.
Salman Ali Agha Continues as T20I Captain
Salman Ali Agha has been retained as the T20I captain for the Sri Lanka series. The middle-order batter has had an exceptional year, featuring in a record 34 T20I matches in 2025, the most by any Pakistan player in a calendar year.
Under his leadership, Pakistan aims to build a settled combination ahead of the T20 World Cup. His calm approach and consistency have impressed selectors, earning him continued trust.
Uncapped Khawaja Nafay Earns Maiden Call-Up
One of the most exciting inclusions in the squad is uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay. The 23-year-old right-hander has been part of the Pakistan Shaheens setup and has shown impressive performances in domestic T20 cricket.
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Matches played: 32 T20s
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Strike rate: 132.81
His aggressive batting style and wicketkeeping skills add depth to Pakistan’s batting lineup and provide another flexible option behind the stumps.
Strong Blend of Youth and Experience
The squad reflects a balanced mix of youth and experience, featuring established stars like Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shadab Khan, alongside young talents such as Saim Ayub, Abdul Samad, and Usman Tariq.
Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr, is expected to play a key role, while spinners like Abrar Ahmad and Mohammad Nawaz could be effective on Dambulla’s slower surface.
Full Pakistan T20I Squad vs Sri Lanka
15-Member Squad:
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Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
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Abdul Samad
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Abrar Ahmad
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Faheem Ashraf
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Fakhar Zaman
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Khawaja Nafay (wk)
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Mohammad Nawaz
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Mohammad Salman Mirza
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Mohammad Wasim Jnr
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Naseem Shah
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Sahibzada Farhan (wk)
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Saim Ayub
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Shadab Khan
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Usman Khan (wk)
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Usman Tariq
Team Management for Sri Lanka Tour
Pakistan will travel with an experienced and well-rounded management group:
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Manager: Naveed Akram Cheema
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Head Coach: Mike Hesson
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Bowling Coach: Ashley Noffke
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Batting Coach: Hanif Malik
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Fielding Coach: Shane McDermott
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Physiotherapist: Cliffe Deacon
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Strength & Conditioning Coach: Grant Luden
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Analyst: Talha Ejaz
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Media Manager: Syed Naeem Ahmad
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Security Manager: Col. Usman Anwari
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Team Doctor: Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai
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Masseur: Muhammad Ehsan
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I Series Schedule
All three T20I matches will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), Dambulla.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | 7 January 2026 | Dambulla |
| 2nd T20I | 9 January 2026 | Dambulla |
| 3rd T20I | 11 January 2026 | Dambulla |
Pakistan team is scheduled to depart for Sri Lanka in the first week of January.
Key Step Towards ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
This series is extremely important for Pakistan as it offers a final opportunity to finalise combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup. Pakistan will play all their World Cup matches in Colombo, making this Sri Lanka tour vital for adapting to local conditions.
Selectors will closely monitor:
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Shadab Khan’s fitness and form
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Middle-order stability
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Bowling combinations
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Wicketkeeping options
Conclusion
The return of Shadab Khan, the continued leadership of Salman Ali Agha, and the inclusion of exciting new talent like Khawaja Nafay make Pakistan’s T20I squad for the Sri Lanka series both competitive and forward-looking.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 fast approaching, this series will play a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s final squad and strategy. Fans can expect high-intensity cricket as Pakistan aim to fine-tune their game on Sri Lankan soil.