The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the Pakistan T20 squad for the home series against Sri Lanka on Monday, with Sahibzada Farhan replacing Salman Agha as captain. Senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been left out of the T20I side, though both remain in the ODI squad. The three-match series starts on Friday at Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi. The decision has split opinion among fans and former players.
Background: A Squad Shaped by the T20 World Cup
Pakistan took part in the 2026 T20 World Cup, playing its matches in Sri Lanka. The team named a 15-man squad in January, led by Salman Agha, and it included Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman. The campaign drew heavy criticism, especially after a 61-run loss to India in Colombo.
After that defeat, several former players called for changes. Shahid Afridi said the team should “drop Shaheen, drop Babar and drop Shadab,” while former captain Mohammad Yousuf also argued that it was time to move on from the senior trio. Others blamed the management for sticking with players who were not performing.
Pakistan has tried this approach before. Babar was dropped from the T20 side in March 2025 and Shaheen in May 2025, but both were back by the World Cup. Yardbarker noted that Pakistan has repeatedly tried to move on from its seniors, only to return to them.
Details: The New Pakistan T20 Squad
The PCB named a 15-player squad for the Sri Lanka series. Farhan, a top-order batter, takes over the captaincy. The squad includes several young players and some experienced names.
- Sahibzada Farhan (captain)
- Abdul Samad
- Abrar Ahmed
- Arafat Minhas
- Fakhar Zaman
- Hasan Nawaz
- Muhammad Imran Randhawa
- Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper)
- Maaz Sadaqat
- Naseem Shah
- Razaullah
- Saim Ayub
- Mohammad Salman Mirza
- Shadab Khan
- Sufiyan Moqim
The Sri Lanka T20Is will be played in Rawalpindi on October 9, 11 and 13. Players dropped from the T20 side include Salman Agha, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Tariq and Usman Khan. Mohammad Nawaz is also missing, as he is serving a suspension, according to Tribune.
Who Is In and Who Is Out
Arafat Minhas, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz, Razaullah and Mohammad Salman Mirza have earned places, along with Abdul Samad. Naseem Shah also returns. The mix shows the selectors are looking at both new faces and bowlers who can take wickets.
Shadab Khan has kept his place, even though some critics had called for him to be dropped too. That shows the selection was not simply a clear-out of every senior. Fakhar Zaman and Shadab remain as the most experienced names.
The ODI Squad
Babar, Shaheen, Salman Agha and Haris Rauf all stay in the ODI plans. Shaheen continues as ODI captain, according to Cricinformer. The squad is for a seven-match ODI tri-series involving England and Sri Lanka.
This split suggests that the overhaul is focused on the shortest format. The selectors have not ruled the senior players out of Pakistan cricket as a whole.
Quotes: What People Are Saying
The decision has divided opinion. A Tribune report this week carried the headline that dropping seniors from the T20 squad is “ridiculous,” reflecting the view of some critics, though details of who said it were not available in the reports reviewed. Others argue that the changes are overdue after the World Cup.
Outlook India reported that Babar and Shaheen were dropped after underwhelming numbers at the World Cup, including Babar’s low strike rate and Shaheen’s high economy rate. It also noted that neither was part of the Asian Games squad. A Pakistan side led by Farhan took silver at the Games, losing the final to India by 19 runs.
Impact: What the Squad Means for Pakistan Cricket
For the team, the Sri Lanka series is a chance for Farhan and the younger players to settle into their roles. A good result would support the case for continuing the new approach, while a poor one could bring the old names back again. The pressure will be high because every match is at home.
For Babar and Shaheen, the omission is a major setback in T20 cricket. Shaheen is Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, with 136 wickets in 103 matches, according to Yardbarker. Both will need strong ODI performances to rebuild their case.
For fans and the PCB, the squad raises a bigger question about long-term planning. Pakistan has changed captains and selection policies often, and critics say stability is missing. The next few months will show if this plan lasts.
Conclusion: What Comes Next
The first T20I against Sri Lanka is on Friday, and the series will test the new captain and squad. After that, the focus shifts to the ODI tri-series with England and Sri Lanka. Selectors will likely review the T20 side again based on results.
Whether the changes are permanent will depend on form. If the young players deliver, Pakistan may finally have moved on from its senior core. If not, the familiar names may be back sooner than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Has Pakistan announced the squad for the T20 World Cup 2026?
Yes, Pakistan named its T20 World Cup 2026 squad in January, and the tournament has already been played. The 15-man squad was led by Salman Agha and included Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan and Usman Tariq, according to Al Jazeera. Haris Rauf was initially left out. Pakistan played its matches in Sri Lanka because of political tensions with India. The current squad for the Sri Lanka series is a separate, newly selected group.
Who are the players in the Pakistan T20 team?
The latest Pakistan T20 squad, announced on Monday, has 15 players for the series against Sri Lanka. They are Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Arafat Minhas, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Maaz Sadaqat, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim. Squads often change from series to series, so check the PCB’s official announcements for updates. Injury or form issues can lead to late changes.
Is Babar in the T20 squad?
No, Babar Azam is not in the T20 squad for the Sri Lanka series. He was dropped from the T20I side along with Shaheen Afridi, Salman Agha and others. Babar remains in Pakistan’s ODI squad for the tri-series, according to Daily Jagran and Cricinformer. He has been dropped from T20 squads before, including in March 2025, and later returned, so his T20 future is not formally closed. The PCB has not said whether he will be considered again.
Who are the players in the Pakistan national T20 Cup squad for 2026?
I could not confirm a specific squad called the “national T20 Cup squad for 2026” in the sources reviewed. The National T20 Cup is a domestic tournament with regional teams, and its squads are announced by the PCB and the regional associations. If you mean the Pakistan national team, the current squad is the one listed above for the Sri Lanka series. For domestic team lists, check the PCB’s official website, since squads vary by region and tournament stage.
