Shadab Khan Returns to Pakistan T20I Squad, Khawaja Nafay Earns Maiden Call-up

Pakistan has turned back to experience while leaving the door open for fresh faces as they named their squad for the 3-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in January. This will be their final overseas assignment before the T20 World Cup in February–March.

Shadab Khan’s return headlines the selection, while 23-year-old Khawaja Nafay has earned his maiden call-up. Salman Agha will continue as captain, a vote of confidence in his leadership as Pakistan attempts to settle combinations in the final stretch of their World Cup build-up.

Shadab’s Return After Surgery

Shadab last featured for Pakistan in June during the home T20I series against Bangladesh, a clean sweep that saw him contribute with both bat and ball. Soon after, he underwent surgery to address a recurring problem in his right shoulder.

His comeback began on December 16 with Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, marking the end of a lengthy rehabilitation process. The Sri Lanka series now offers Shadab a chance to regain rhythm in Pakistan colours, with the team management keen to assess his form ahead of the World Cup. If fully fit, Shadab remains central to Pakistan’s plans, valued not just for his leg-spin but also for his flexibility in the middle order.

Nafay Rewarded For Domestic Form

Nafay’s selection reflects Pakistan’s continued search for batting depth at the top and middle order. The Karachi-born batter, who can also keep wicket part-time, has built a solid T20 résumé across domestic cricket and franchise leagues. He recently featured in the Abu Dhabi T10 and has been part of the Pakistan Shaheens setup.

In 32 T20 matches, Nafay has scored 688 runs at a strike rate of 132.81, numbers that caught the selectors’ attention. His inclusion provides competition in an already crowded batting group and offers Pakistan another option beyond the World Cup.

Bpl Call-Ups And Strategic Absences

While Pakistan’s senior BBL contingent, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf, remains largely untouched, the selectors have drawn heavily from the Bangladesh Premier League. Nafay, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan will all leave their BPL teams to link up with the squad in Sri Lanka.

The decision hints at workload management for senior players and a desire to test depth under match conditions. It also gives fringe players an opportunity to stake claims while the stakes remain high but not unforgiving.

Seam Attack Under Scrutiny

Fast bowler Salman Mirza continues his rise after a strong finish to last year, including his role in Pakistan’s tri-series final win over Sri Lanka. With Afridi and Rauf absent, Mirza is set to shoulder responsibility alongside Naseem Shah. Their performances could shape Pakistan’s fast-bowling plans, especially with Mohammad Wasim also in contention for World Cup selection.

Final Auditions Before The World Cup

When announced, the Sri Lanka series was billed as a chance to finalise Pakistan’s World Cup squad. Pakistan will have one more opportunity to fine-tune their plans with three home T20Is against Australia at the end of January. 

Pakistan Squad for Sri Lanka Tour 

Salman Agha (capt), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq