Pakistan have named a 15-man squad for their three-match Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka, with seven players selected from the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League, as the Pakistan Cricket Board looks to balance overseas form with availability ahead of a busy January.
The series will be played in Dambulla, starting on January 7 and concluding on January 11.
The headline inclusion is opener Khawaja Nafi, who has earned his maiden international call-up. Nafi is currently representing Rangpur Riders in the BPL, where his performances at the top of the order have caught the selectors’ attention. Rangpur team-mate and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has also been named in the touring party.
BPL regulars Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Nawaz, both featuring for Rajshahi Warriors, retain their places in the T20 side, having been consistent fixtures in Pakistan’s white-ball setup. Two more Pakistan players currently with Dhaka Capitals will also leave the BPL early to join the national squad.
Wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan and fast bowler Salman Mirza have been included, while opener Saim Ayub, who has been playing for Sylhet Titans in the BPL, completes the group of Bangladesh-based selections heading to Sri Lanka.
Despite favouring players active in the BPL, the PCB has opted against selecting several senior figures currently involved in Australia’s Big Bash League. Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali have all been left out of the squad.
One exception is Shadab Khan, who has been recalled despite playing for Sydney Thunder in the BBL. The all-rounder returns to the national side after a lengthy injury lay-off, having last represented Pakistan in June.
Salman Agha will captain the side as Pakistan continue to experiment with leadership and combinations in the shortest format ahead of a packed international calendar.
Pakistan squad:
Salman Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafi (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.
