Selection Shock! Pakistan Dropped Core Players Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I series is all set to start from January 7, 2026. Pakistan will travel to Sri Lanka to play the 3-match series. All the games are scheduled in Dambulla. This series will be like a preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 for both teams and will help the selectors filter the performance and make the squad selections for the World Cup.

Ahead of the T20I series, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the squad, and there are some major names missing in the Pakistan Squad for Sri Lanka T20I Series ahead of the T20 World Cup, where some of the best cricket teams in the world will participate.

Who is Dropped From Pakistan Squad?

Surprisingly, PCB has announced the squad almost two weeks ahead of the series and has named the 15-member squad. Four star players, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan will miss the series as they are busy in the Big Bash League (BBL). Hence, the question of is Babar Azam dropped from the team is out of the fans' minds. Moreover, Shadab Khan comeback was a bold move by PCB considering his performance in the T20Is. Salman Ali Agha is set to lead the all new Pakistan team for the series. Khawaja Nafay has got the maiden call up for the series. He is a wicketkeeper batter and has performed well in the domestic matches.

Pakistan Squad:

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.

Sri Lanka's Probable Squad for Pakistan Series

Sri Lanka is hosting Pakistan for a 3-match T20I series where the teams will meet in Dambulla. While Pakistan have announced the squad for the series, Sri Lanka is yet to do it. They are likely to go with the same squad that will play at the T20 World Cup 2026 and give a clear view ahead of the big tournament.

Dasun Shanaka will be leading the team. The players have performed well in the past, especially in important games, and that's why they are trusted with the responsibility of the team. Apart from them, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, and others are likely to find a place in the team, thanks to their performance in the previous series. Overall, the series will be quite exciting to watch as Pakistan has a new team, and since the matches are in Sri Lanka, the hosts will likely have an experienced side and might beat the visitors in the series.

Sri Lanka T20I squad (Probable):

Dasun Shanaka (C), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga.