ISLAMABAD: All-rounder Shadab Khan, and wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay have been named in Pakistan's 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, set to begin in January.

Shadab, who last played for Pakistan in June, returns after a successful rehabilitation following shoulder surgery earlier this year.

The series, scheduled to take place at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium from January 7 to 11, will provide Pakistan an opportunity to finalize their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2025.

Shadab’s inclusion is a significant boost for the team as they prepare for the World Cup. The 27-year-old is currently featuring in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia, which marks his return to competitive cricket.

Nafay, 23, is uncapped at the international level but has impressed with his performances for Pakistan Shaheens, having played 32 T20 matches with an impressive strike rate of 132.81.

Salman Ali Agha, who captains the team, will continue in his role for the series. Agha has had a standout year, featuring in a record 34 T20I matches — the most by any Pakistan player this year. He will lead the side as Pakistan looks to build momentum ahead of the World Cup.

The squad also includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, with the likes of Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr all included.

Pakistan's team management will be led by head coach Mike Hesson, with Ashley Noffke as the bowling coach and Hanif Malik as the batting coach.

The series, that follows Sri Lanka's white-ball tour to Pakistan in November, is expected to be a crucial step for Pakistan in refining their lineup for the T20 World Cup, where they will play all their matches in Colombo.

Pakistan T20I squad:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.

Team management:

Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Col. Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), Muhammad Ehsan (masseur).

Series schedule:

January 7: First T20I

January 9: Second T20I

January 11: Third T20I

Articles tagged with "Khawaja Nafay"

Shadab, Nafay make it to Pakistan’s T20I squad for Sri Lanka series