The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 International series against Sri Lanka. The Pakistan team is scheduled to depart for Sri Lanka in phases on January 4 and 5, 2026.
Salman Ali Agha will lead the national side, while wicketkeeper-batsman Khawaja Nafees has been included in the T20 squad for the first time. Shadab Khan, following his shoulder surgery, makes a return to the T20 setup. Notably, star players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are not part of the squad, and Haris Rauf has once again been overlooked.
The full squad includes captain Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Muhammad Nafees, and Mohammad Nawaz. Additionally, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saem Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, and Usman Tariq complete the lineup.
The series will consist of three T20 Internationals, scheduled to be played on January 7, 9, and 11 in Dambulla. This series is expected to be instrumental in helping the selectors assess players for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
In terms of team management, PCB has confirmed that Naveed Akram Cheema will serve as the team manager for the Sri Lanka series. Mike Hesson will continue as the head coach for white-ball cricket, with Ashley Noffke as bowling coach, Mohammad Hanif Malik as batting coach, and Shane McDermott as fielding coach.
Support staff also include Cliff Deakin as physiotherapist, Grant Luden as strength and conditioning coach, Talha Ijaz as team analyst, and Syed Naeem Ahmed as team media manager.
This well-rounded squad and experienced management team reflect Pakistan’s focus on blending youth and experience while preparing strategically for major upcoming tournaments.
