Shadab Back as Pakistan Rest Babar, Shaheen for Sri Lanka T20Is
Shadab Khan returns as Pakistan reshapes T20I squad, resting senior stars Babar and Shaheen ahead of Sri Lanka series.
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Pakistan have opted for rotation and reset as they named a refreshed T20 International squad for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka, bringing back all-rounder Shadab Khan while resting marquee players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the 15-member squad on Sunday, signalling a clear intent to manage workloads and test depth ahead of a packed international calendar. According to Dawn, the decision to rest senior players is linked to their heavy commitments in Australia’s Big Bash League and recent international assignments.
Shadab’s return headlines the selection. The leg-spinning all-rounder last featured in a T20I in April and has since undergone shoulder surgery followed by rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy. Now fully fit and in competitive rhythm, Shadab’s comeback adds balance to Pakistan’s middle order and spin options, an area the team has looked to strengthen in recent months.
The squad will be led by Salman Ali Agha, who continues to gain trust as a white-ball leader. The Express Tribune reported that Salman has played more T20Is this year than any other Pakistan cricketer, underlining his growing role in the side’s transition phase.
Several established names, including Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali, are also absent. Their exclusion is part of a broader rotation policy rather than a reflection of form, sources indicate.
Among the fresh faces is wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay, who earns his maiden senior call-up after consistent domestic performances. The selectors appear keen to widen the talent pool as Pakistan look beyond established combinations.
The series will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on January 7, 9 and 11. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup looming later this year, the Sri Lanka tour offers Pakistan a low-pressure window to experiment, refine roles and inject energy into the squad.
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