Written by: Waseem Abbas
Posted on: January 7, 2026 | 
| 中文
Pakistan has kickstarted its World Cup preparations with a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, beginning on December 7. The team management has persisted with Salman Agha as captain despite his abysmal T20 numbers, while Shadab Khan has returned to the T20 side after a prolonged absence due to fitness issues. Interestingly, Pakistan has allowed players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, among others, to continue their Big Bash League (BBL) participation. This decision is astonishing given that Pakistan will play its World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, and the series against Sri Lanka could have been an ideal opportunity to get accustomed to local conditions, especially for players like Shaheen and Babar, who remain central to Pakistan’s T20 World Cup plans.
Muhammad Rizwan and Babar Azam in BBL
The only new inclusion in the series is young wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay, who has played for Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). While Nafay is known for his attacking stroke play, his record so far is far from impressive: 688 runs in 32 T20 matches at an average of 23.72 and a strike rate of 132.81. His selection appears to be driven solely by the team’s preference for high-intent batting. Agonizingly and ironically, Hassan Nawaz has been dropped on the cusp of the World Cup despite having the best strike rate for Pakistan in 2025 and following a phenomenal PSL season last year. Previously, the poster boy of intent-based cricket, Muhammad Haris, was also dropped after his aggressive but often mindless shot selection. In his case, however, the decision felt justified.
Khawaja Nafay playing a shot in PSL against Lahore Qalandars
Shadab Khan has made his comeback to the T20I side after being sidelined with an injury since June last year. It will be interesting to see how he fits into the team combination, especially given the developments during his absence. Muhammad Nawaz has firmly grabbed the all-rounder’s spot, emerging as Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is in 2025 with 36 scalps, while also playing crucial lower-order cameos. Abrar Ahmed, meanwhile, has done little wrong to warrant exclusion, having been Pakistan’s most consistent spinner in the shorter formats over the past couple of years. Off-spinner Usman Tariq, also part of the Sri Lanka series, has impressed in limited opportunities, including a T20I hat-trick against Sri Lanka. With these options available, Shadab can realistically feature only as a batting all-rounder, likely at the expense of a specialist batter. This is where it appears Hassan Nawaz was sacrificed to accommodate Shadab’s return.
Muhammad Haris, Shadab Khan and Irfan Niazi
Accommodating both Salman Agha and Shadab Khan in the middle order will be challenging, especially since Saim Ayub is also a must-pick as an all-rounder due to his exceptional bowling. Shadab’s place would have been easier to justify had Salman not been captain and a guaranteed starter. Chinaman spinner Sufyan Muqeem, despite impressive T20 numbers, continues to miss out as Shadab edges him in batting and fielding.
Shadab, Shaheen and Rizwan
The team management has also shown faith in Naseem Shah despite his underwhelming T20I numbers, likely banking on his potential and ability to deliver in crunch situations. Salman Mirza has been selected as well, leaving his Lahore Qalandars teammate Haris Rauf in uncertain territory. Similarly, Muhammad Waseem has been preferred over Hasan Ali, Abbas Afridi and Aamir Jamal. Abbas Afridi’s continued omission is particularly baffling, as he has been one of the most consistent T20 wicket-takers, especially in the middle overs. Additionally, his ability to clear the boundary with ease makes his exclusion from the T20I setup difficult to justify.
Saim Ayub and Muhammad Nawaz, Pakistan's allrounders
Usman Khan has been designated as the wicketkeeper-batter and appears set to continue in this role through the World Cup, leaving Muhammad Rizwan in limbo. At the top of the order, Sahibzada Farhan is expected to partner Saim Ayub, while Fakhar Zaman will slot into the middle order alongside Salman Agha and Shadab Khan. The team’s sole designated finisher is Peshawar Zalmi’s Abdul Samad, whose frequent ins and outs from the squad make it hard to tell whether he is firmly part of the team’s plans or not.
Pakistan will face Sri Lanka on January 7, 9 and 11 in Dambulla, with all matches scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm Pakistan Standard Time.
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