Shadab Khan Returns to Pakistan T20 Squad for Sri Lanka Series

Allrounder Shadab Khan has been included in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming three-match Twenty20 International series against Sri Lanka, scheduled for January 7, 9, and 11, 2024, in Dambulla. This announcement was made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on January 3.

The 27-year-old player had been sidelined due to a shoulder injury that required surgery in the UK. After a significant recovery period, Shadab has regained full fitness, allowing him to rejoin the team.

New Faces in the Squad

The PCB has made noteworthy changes to the squad, as several senior players will be unavailable for the tour. Babar Azam, along with pace bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali, are participating in the Big Bash League in Australia and will not be traveling to Sri Lanka.

In their absence, Salman Ali Agha will captain the team, which is currently in the final stages of preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup set for February and March 2024 in India and Sri Lanka. The inclusion of uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman Khawaja Nafay highlights the selectors’ focus on fresh talent, as he has impressed during his time with Pakistan’s second-string team over the past two years.

Complete Squad Announcement

The final squad for the T20I series against Sri Lanka is as follows: 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, and Usman Tariq.

As the team gears up for this tour, the return of Shadab Khan adds depth and experience to the squad, particularly as they look towards the challenges of the World Cup in the coming months.