The Men in Green are set to play three T20Is in January
\n LAHORE
\nThe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the national squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka in the first week of January, with the selection committee currently engaged in detailed consultations over player combinations and workload management.
\nPakistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to play a three-match T20I series on January 7, 9 and 11 at Dambulla, and selectors have already begun deliberations to finalise a balanced squad for the tour.
\nOne major development to emerge from these discussions is the near-certain return of leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who is set to make his comeback to the national side.
\nShadab, who has been sidelined due to fitness concerns in recent months, has regained full fitness and impressed with his performances in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL).
\nHis all-round abilities and experience in T20 cricket are expected to play a key role in Pakistan\u2019s plans against Sri Lanka, particularly with an eye on the upcoming ICC Men\u2019s T20 World Cup.
\nMeanwhile, several senior Pakistan players have been granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to complete their full commitments in the Big Bash League. These include Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan and Hasan Ali, all of whom will remain in Australia for the duration of the BBL season.
\nAs a result, the selectors are considering a number of young and emerging players for the Sri Lanka tour. Among the names under discussion are promising performers Abdul Samad and Maaz Sadaqat, along with other domestic and league standouts who have impressed with consistent performances in recent months.
\nThe series is likely to serve as an opportunity to test bench strength and broaden Pakistan\u2019s T20 player pool ahead of major global events.
\nIn addition to preparations for the Sri Lanka series, the PCB faces another important deadline. Pakistan must submit a preliminary squad list for the T20 World Cup before January 6.
\nThis initial list can be revised until February 1, allowing selectors some flexibility as they assess form and fitness closer to the tournament.
\nIndia and Sri Lanka have already announced their squads for the T20 World Cup, increasing pressure on Pakistan to finalise its plans in a timely manner.
\nThe upcoming Sri Lanka tour is therefore seen as a crucial step in shaping Pakistan\u2019s World Cup combination, particularly in identifying reliable all-rounders and backup options.
\nWith selection meetings ongoing and key decisions imminent, the official squad announcement is expected shortly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Men in Green are set to play three T20Is in January LAHORE The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the national squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka in the first week of January, with the selection committee currently engaged in detailed consultations over player combinations and workload management. Pakistan and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-521948","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n