Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has raised concerns over the selection of Pakistan’s T20 squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, questioning the recall of all-rounder Shadab Khan while pointing to the omission of in-form domestic performers Maaz Sadaqat and Sufyan Muqeem.
Read More: Shadab returns to Pakistan T20I squad against Sri Lanka in January
Shadab’s inclusion quickly became a major talking point on social media, with fans expressing surprise at his return to the national side after a prolonged absence. The all-rounder is currently featuring in Australia’s Big Bash League, where his batting opportunities have been limited, adding to the debate surrounding his selection.
Rashid Latif echoed public sentiment by highlighting the selectors’ apparent disregard for domestic performances. In a post on X, the former wicketkeeper-batter said that while Shadab had been included in the T20 squad against Sri Lanka, domestic standouts Maaz Sadaqat and Sufyan Muqeem were overlooked during the selection process.
Shadab Khan returns as Pakistan name T20I squad for Sri Lanka series but Domestic performers Maaz Sadaqat and Sufyan Muqeem missing. pic.twitter.com/Fv1jMGApGQ
— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) December 28, 2025
Not sure on what performances following are selected:
1) Shadab Khan
2) Abdul Samad
3) Nafay
✅ Hasan Nawaz is a better choice than Nafay and A Samad
❌ With Nawaz, Usman Tariq, Abrar, Faheem Ashraf (All Rounder) already in the Mix, why would they include Shadab? pic.twitter.com/jOICOHmQ6y— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) December 28, 2025
The criticism comes amid renewed calls for greater emphasis on domestic cricket, particularly as Pakistan prepares for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Both Maaz and Sufyan have delivered consistent performances in recent domestic tournaments, strengthening the argument for their inclusion at the international level.
Pakistan earlier announced a 15-member squad for the three-match T20I series scheduled for January 2026 in Dambulla. Salman Ali Agha will lead the side, while wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Mohammad Nafay has earned his maiden call-up. Shadab Khan returns to the squad following recovery from shoulder surgery.
Notably, fast bowler Haris Rauf has been left out of the lineup, while the squad includes experienced names such as Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz and Naseem Shah, alongside younger options.
Read More: Shadab Returns as Agha Takes Pakistan T20 Charge
Pakistan are set to depart for Sri Lanka in phases on January 4 and 5, with matches scheduled for January 7, 9 and 11. The selections are also being viewed in the context of the T20 World Cup, with preliminary squads due by January 7, making every selection decision subject to intense scrutiny.