Pakistan’s national T20 squad has been announced for a three-match series against Sri Lanka next month, marking the return of all-rounder Shadab Khan after a lengthy recovery from a shoulder injury. The series, scheduled for January 7th, 9th, and 11th in Dambulla, will serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup. Several senior players will be absent, opting to participate in Australia’s Big Bash League instead.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the squad yesterday, highlighting Shadab Khan’s regained fitness as a key factor in his selection. Salman Ali Agha will continue to captain the side, leading a team that blends experienced players with emerging talent. The tour provides an opportunity for players to showcase their skills ahead of the major tournament in February-March.
Shadab Khan Returns to Pakistan T20 Squad
Shadab Khan’s inclusion is a significant boost for Pakistan. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since June due to a shoulder injury requiring surgery in the United Kingdom. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset in the shortest format of the game. According to the PCB, he has successfully completed his rehabilitation and is now fully fit to compete.
Absences and Opportunities
The absence of established stars like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali is due to their commitments to the Big Bash League in Australia. This decision allows these players to gain valuable match practice in Australian conditions, potentially beneficial for the Twenty20 World Cup which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. However, it also presents an opportunity for emerging players to step up and prove their worth on the international stage.
Additionally, the squad features uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman Khawaja Nafay, who has impressed with his performances for Pakistan’s second-string team in recent years. His inclusion demonstrates the PCB’s commitment to identifying and nurturing new talent. Mohammad Wasim and Naseem Shah will lead the pace attack in the absence of the more established bowlers.
Preparing for the Twenty20 World Cup
This series against Sri Lanka is a vital component of Pakistan’s preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup. The team is currently in the final stages of its preparation, focusing on refining its strategies and building team cohesion. The matches in Dambulla will provide a realistic test against a competitive opponent. The PCB is using this tour to assess player form and finalize its plans for the global tournament.
The squad also includes Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan, providing batting depth and versatility. Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz will offer spin options. Faheem Ashraf and Abdul Samad add further all-round capabilities to the team. Salman Mirza and Usman Tariq complete the 15-man roster.
The decision to rest senior players while allowing them to participate in the Big Bash League reflects a strategic approach to player management. It aims to balance the need for competitive cricket with the importance of ensuring players are fresh and in peak condition for the Twenty20 World Cup. This approach to international cricket is becoming increasingly common as teams navigate a congested global calendar.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on the performance of the squad in Sri Lanka and the insights gained from the series. The PCB will likely use the data and observations from these matches to make final adjustments to the team composition and strategies for the Twenty20 World Cup. The selection for the World Cup squad, expected in the coming weeks, will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The success of this tour will be a key indicator of Pakistan’s chances in the tournament.
Squad: Salman Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq
Pakistan Cricket Board ESPN Cricinfo International Cricket Council
