Pakistan’s cricket team will begin a three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Thursday, led by captain Sahibzada Farhan. The series marks a significant transition for Pakistan, with several senior players absent as the team looks to build toward the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Key omissions from Pakistan’s squad include star batter Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. Both players have seen a dip in their T20 form, with Azam notably left out of Pakistan’s final T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka in February. Shaheen, while sidelined from the T20I format, is set to captain Pakistan’s one-day international side in an upcoming tri-series against Sri Lanka and England, also in Rawalpindi, from October 18. Former T20I captain Salman Agha and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan are also absent, reflecting a broader strategy to blood new talent ahead of future tournaments.
Farhan, who previously led a near second-string side to a silver medal at the recent Asian Games in Japan—losing to India in the final—expressed confidence in the team’s potential despite the changes. “I am confident that this new combination is the best and will settle in this series,” he said ahead of the first match. “I know how to lead the side and I will not take pressure.”
Sri Lanka, too, are experiencing a period of transition. The visiting side will compete without star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and former captain Charith Asalanka. Hasaranga, who is currently joint-fifth on the all-time T20I wicket-taking list with 163 wickets from 101 matches, remains sidelined due to injury. Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis acknowledged the impact of Hasaranga’s absence but expressed optimism about the squad’s prospects. “Unfortunately, Wanindu is still injured, and we will miss him but we have a few other exciting players who I am sure will stand up and perform,” Mendis said.
Mendis, who played in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) earlier this year, highlighted his team’s familiarity with conditions in Pakistan and the challenge posed by Pakistan’s new players. “I think everyone knows how to play in Pakistan. Pakistan also have some new faces but their players are good and we know some of them from the PSL, so I hope our players will do well,” he added.
The series, comprising matches on October 9, 11, and 13, will all be held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, providing a platform for both teams to test emerging talents as they prepare for upcoming international competitions.