Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan is set to return to the national team for the T20I series in Sri Lanka. The Men in Green will play three matches on January 7, 9, and 11 in Dambulla. Shadab has fully recovered from a shoulder injury and impressed in the ongoing Big Bash League.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing to announce the squad in the first week of January. Selectors are discussing player combinations, workload management, and team balance for the tour. They aim to include experienced players while testing young talents to strengthen Pakistan’s T20 options.
Several senior players, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan, and Hasan Ali, are completing their Big Bash League commitments. Consequently, selectors are considering emerging players like Abdul Samad and Maaz Sadaqat. This provides an opportunity to broaden the T20 player pool and test bench strength.
The Sri Lanka series will also help finalize Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The PCB must submit a preliminary squad by January 6, with final changes allowed until February 1. This allows selectors to assess player form and fitness ahead of the global tournament.
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With selection meetings ongoing, the official squad announcement is expected soon. Shadab’s return adds depth and experience, particularly in T20 all-round skills. The upcoming series is a key step in shaping Pakistan’s World Cup combination and testing backup options.