Shadab Khan makes comeback as Pakistan announce T20I squad for Sri Lanka series

Pakistan have recalled all-rounder Shadab Khan to their T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka, as the national selectors announced a 15-member squad on Sunday.

Shadab, 27, returns to international cricket after missing action since June due to a shoulder injury.

He underwent surgery earlier this year and completed a successful rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy before returning to competitive cricket.

The leg-spinning all-rounder is currently featuring in Australia’s Big Bash League, a sign of his regained fitness ahead of a busy international schedule.

Pakistan to tour Sri Lanka in January for three-match T20I series ahead of World Cup

Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the side. The middle-order batter has been a constant presence in Pakistan’s T20I setup this year, featuring in a record 34 matches — the most by any Pakistani player in a single calendar year — and has retained the confidence of the selection committee.

The squad also includes uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay, who has earned his maiden call-up following consistent performances at the domestic and development level.

The 23-year-old right-hander has represented Pakistan Shaheens and has scored runs at a strike rate of 132.81 across 32 T20 matches.

Pakistan are scheduled to depart for Sri Lanka in the first week of January. All three matches of the series will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, with fixtures set for January 7, 9 and 11.

The Sri Lanka tour holds added significance as it will serve as a key preparatory phase for Pakistan ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan are slated to play all of their World Cup matches in Colombo.

Apart from Shadab’s return, the squad features a blend of experience and youth, including Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr, alongside emerging players such as Saim Ayub and Usman Khan.

Mike Hesson will continue as head coach, supported by a largely unchanged support staff as Pakistan look to fine-tune combinations and assess player form ahead of the global event.

Pakistan T20I 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), Usman Tariq.

Series schedule:

January 7 – First T20I

January 9 – Second T20I

January 11 – Third T20I