Shadab returns as Pakistan name T20 squad for Sri Lanka, Babar and Shaheen rested
Shadab Khan has resumed bowling and physical training after recovering from a shoulder injury. PHOTO: ICC
All-rounder Shadab Khan has returned to Pakistan’s T20 international side as selectors on Sunday named a 15-member squad for next month’s three-match series against Sri Lanka.
Senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi were left out of the squad.
Salman Ali Agha will continue as captain. He played a record 34 T20I matches this year, the most by any Pakistan player.
Shadab Khan returns as Pakistan name T20I squad for Sri Lanka series
Details here ➡️ https://t.co/gMtmLUaDzm#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/HbJ5PyyK9tShadab, 27, last played for Pakistan in June. He underwent shoulder surgery and completed his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy.
He is currently playing in Australia’s Big Bash League. Team officials believe the stint has helped his return to international contention.
The absence of Babar and Shaheen is seen as part of a rotation policy. Both players are also featuring in the Big Bash League.
With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup approaching, selectors appear focused on testing new combinations. The aim is to expand the player pool ahead of the tournament.
Read: Shadab set for Pakistan comeback in Sri Lanka T20Is
Another key inclusion is uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay.
The 23-year-old has been part of the Pakistan Shaheens setup. He has played 32 T20 matches with a strike rate of 132.81.
This is his first call-up to the senior national side.
Pakistan will travel to Sri Lanka in the first week of January.
All three T20Is will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. The matches are scheduled for January 7, 9 and 11.
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The series will help Pakistan finalise their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The tournament will run from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan are set to play all their matches in Colombo.
Squad
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.
Team management
Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Col. Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur).