Lahore, Dec 28 (UNI) Pakistan have named a new-look T20I squad for next month’s three-match series against Sri Lanka, with several senior players missing out as the selectors continue preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup beginning on February 7.
Former captain Babar Azam, pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan will all skip the Sri Lanka series due to their commitments in Australia’s domestic Big Bash League, as per the International Cricket Council (ICC) website.
In their absence, uncapped keeper-batter Khawaja Nafay has earned his maiden call-up in the 15-member squad.
Nafay is joined by returning all-rounder Shadab Khan, while Salman Ali Agha has been retained as captain, as Pakistan look to assess combinations and finalise their core group ahead of the World Cup.
The Sri Lanka tour is being viewed as a key opportunity for fringe players to stake a claim for selection, with Pakistan set to compete in Group B at the T20 World Cup alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA.
