Pakistan has suffered a big blow ahead of the T20 World Cup as the management has decided to leave out star players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf for the upcoming T20 series against Sri Lanka. The decision has been taken as the players are currently completing their Big Bash League commitments in Australia. The Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to honor those contracts and has not asked the players to return early.
Babar Azam is playing for Sydney Sixers and Mohammad Rizwan is playing for Melbourne Renegades. Haris Rauf is part of Melbourne Stars while Shaheen Shah Afridi is representing Brisbane Heat. These top four players are expected to return after the Big Bash League continues where they will focus on their next assignment in the T20 World Cup.
Also read: Rishabh Pant has emerged as a new contender for the ODI series against New Zealand, his place is in danger!
For the T20I series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan have also recalled all-rounder Shadab Khan, who last played in June 2025. The 27-year-old had to undergo shoulder surgery earlier this year and was completing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy.
Also read: Big blow to Pakistan before T20 World Cup, star bowler injured in Big Bash League
Pakistan will leave for Sri Lanka in the first week of January as three T20 matches are scheduled to be held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on January 7, 9 and 11.
Pakistani team for T20 series against Sri Lanka
Salman Ali Aga (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafe (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saeem Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
