In a bold move signalling a significant shift in strategy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a revamped squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, dropping several of its biggest stars. Former captain and batting mainstay Babar Azam, along with premier fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, have all been omitted from the touring party. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is another high-profile name left out.
New Leadership and Fresh Faces
The squad will be led by Salman Ali Agha, marking a new chapter for the Men in Green in the shortest format. The selection committee has opted for a blend of experience and youth, bringing in players like Khawaja Nafay and Usman Khan. Interestingly, all-rounder Shadab Khan makes a return to the national setup despite also being involved in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia, unlike the other dropped stars who are currently playing in the same tournament.
The complete Pakistan squad for the series is: Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
The Strike Rate Conundrum Behind Babar's Omission
The exclusion of Babar Azam, despite his phenomenal career tally of over 4,200 T20I runs at an average nearing 40, points directly to the modern demands of T20 cricket. Sources indicate that his strike rate of around 129 in recent times was a decisive factor. The team management, under director of cricket Mike Hesson, is clearly prioritising a more aggressive batting approach at the top of the order.
Hesson, in earlier comments, had emphasised the need for Pakistan to catch up with the world's leading T20 sides. "There’s a good reason why our ranking in T20 cricket is as low as it is, because our strike rates from a batting point of view are not high enough," Hesson stated. While acknowledging Babar's class and his recent efforts to improve, Hesson highlighted the collective need to add 30-40 more runs per innings, a philosophy that has now translated into tough selection calls.
Series Schedule and Looking Ahead
The T20I series against Sri Lanka is set to be played entirely at the Dambulla stadium. The matches are scheduled for January 7 (Wednesday), January 9 (Friday), and January 11 (Sunday). This series is viewed as a crucial step in Pakistan's rebuilding process for the future, moving away from a reliance on established stars and towards a more dynamic, high-tempo style of play.
This radical overhaul sends a clear message that performance parameters in T20Is are evolving, and consistency must now be coupled with a high impact. The eyes of the cricket world will be on this new-look Pakistani side to see if this gamble pays off on the field in Sri Lanka.
