Lahore: Pakistan’s cricket selectors have unveiled their squad for the upcoming three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka, notably excluding several prominent players. The absence of key figures Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan has been attributed to their commitments with Australia’s domestic Big Bash League.

In their place, the selectors have opted to bring in fresh talent, with uncapped keeper-batter Khawaja Nafay earning his first call-up to the national team. Nafay will be joined by returning all-rounder Shadab Khan, as well as team captain Salman Ali Agha, in a squad that signals a potential shift in focus as Pakistan prepares for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The tournament, set to commence on February 7, will see Pakistan competing in Group B alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. The series in Sri Lanka offers a crucial opportunity for the team management to finalize their lineup for the global event.

The 15-player squad includes Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, and Usman Tariq.

The series will be held entirely in Dambulla, with matches scheduled for January 7, 9, and 11. As Pakistan moves forward with a new-look team, the focus will be on assessing the potential of the selected players ahead of the World Cup challenge.