Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman Among Stars Set for Pakistan T20I Return
LAHORE, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan are likely to bring back several senior players for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, with Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah among the prominent names expected to return to the squad.
The national selectors are considering changes following Pakistan’s Asian Games campaign in Japan, where the team secured the silver medal after losing the final against India.
Sahibzada Farhan is expected to remain Pakistan’s T20I captain for the home series against Sri Lanka.
The possible return of Babar, Fakhar, Shadab and Naseem would significantly strengthen Pakistan’s batting, pace and all-round options as the team returns to bilateral international cricket.
Several members of the Asian Games squad could make way for the returning senior players.
Ahmed Daniyal, Saad Masood, Haider Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jr are among the players who may not feature in the Sri Lanka series.
A final squad announcement from the Pakistan Cricket Board is still awaited, meaning the reported changes remain subject to confirmation by the national selection committee.
Pakistan will host Sri Lanka for three T20 internationals at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 9, 11 and 13.
The series will be followed by an ODI tri-series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England from October 18 to 31.
Sri Lanka have already announced their 15-member squad for the Pakistan T20Is, with Kusal Mendis returning to lead the side.
Pakistan enter the home assignment after finishing runners-up at the Asian Games. Hasan Nawaz produced a fighting 96 in the gold-medal match against India, but Pakistan fell 19 runs short while chasing 212.
The potential return of experienced players will give the selectors an opportunity to balance recent performers with established international names as Pakistan move into the next phase of their home season.
All attention will now turn to the PCB’s official squad announcement, which will confirm whether Babar, Fakhar, Shadab and Naseem make their anticipated returns and whether Farhan continues as captain.
