The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially announced a 15-member national squad for the three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka. The team will travel to Sri Lanka in phases on January 4 and 5.

Salman Ali Agha has been named captain for the series. The squad includes a balanced blend of young talent and experienced players, showing a fresh direction for the team. Wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Muhammad Nafay has earned his first-ever call-up to the T20 squad.

The biggest highlight is the return of all-rounder Shadab Khan. He is back in the T20 team after recovering from shoulder surgery. His inclusion is expected to strengthen both the middle order and the bowling attack.

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All three T20 matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played in Dambulla on January 7, 9 and 11. The squad features players such as Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Junior and Sahibzada Farhan.

Senior players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will miss the series due to their commitments in the Big Bash League.

The series is being seen as a key step in preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Performances in these matches may strongly influence future team selections.

This squad shows Pakistan testing new options. Shadab’s return brings balance. Young players now have a big chance to prove themselves before the World Cup.