Babar Out, Shadab In: Pakistan Announce T20 Squad for Sri Lanka Tour

Pakistan has made a bold call ahead of their tour of Sri Lanka, dropping former captain Babar Azam while recalling Shadab Khan in a revamped 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I series.

The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that Salman Ali Agha will continue as captain, underlining the selectors’ intent to build a stable core as preparations gather pace for the T20 World Cup. The Sri Lanka series is being viewed as a key opportunity to test combinations, player roles and balance.

Babar’s exclusion is the headline decision, highlighting Pakistan’s shift toward form-based selection and experimentation in the shortest format. Shadab’s return adds experience, leadership and all-round depth, particularly valuable in subcontinental conditions.

Officials said the squad selection focuses on flexibility, bowling variety and power-hitting options, with conditions in Sri Lanka and upcoming global tournaments firmly in mind.

Pakistan T20I Squad for Sri Lanka (15 players)

• Salman Ali Agha (captain)

• Abdul Samad

• Abrar Ahmad

• Faheem Ashraf

• Fakhar Zaman

• Khawaja Nafay (wk)

• Mohammad Nawaz

• Mohammad Salman Mirza

• Mohammad Wasim Jr

• Naseem Shah

• Sahibzada Farhan (wk)

• Saim Ayub

• Shadab Khan

• Usman Khan (wk)

• Usman Tariq

The series is expected to provide clearer insight into Pakistan’s preferred combinations and tactical direction as the team sharpens its approach ahead of the T20 World Cup.

With notable omissions and key returns, the Sri Lanka tour is set to draw close attention from fans and analysts alike.