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Pakistan are set to begin their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka on October 9 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second and third T20Is will also be played at the same venue on October 11 and 13 respectively. The series will be an important opportunity for Pakistan to assess their young and experienced players following a major leadership change in the T20I setup.
Sahibzada Farhan has been appointed Pakistan’s new T20I captain, replacing Salman Ali Agha, who has been left out of the T20I squad. Farhan recently led Pakistan at the 2026 Asian Games, where the team won the silver medal. He was also Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the 2026 T20 World Cup, making his appointment a significant move by the selectors.
Pakistan have named a 15-member squad for the series, featuring established names such as Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah alongside several emerging players. With Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga unavailable for Sri Lanka, the visitors will also be looking for a fresh combination.
| No. | Player | Role |
| 1 | Sahibzada Farhan (c) | Opener |
| 2 | Saim Ayub | Opener |
| 3 | Fakhar Zaman | Top-order batter |
| 4 | Hasan Nawaz | Middle-order batter |
| 5 | Khawaja Nafay (wk) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| 6 | Shadab Khan | All-rounder |
| 7 | Abdul Samad | Batter |
| 8 | Arafat Minhas | All-rounder |
| 9 | Abrar Ahmed | Leg-spinner |
| 10 | Naseem Shah | Fast bowler |
| 11 | Sufiyan Moqim | Left-arm wrist-spinner |
Sahibzada Farhan is expected to open the innings and lead Pakistan in the series. His appointment as captain is one of the biggest talking points surrounding the team.
Farhan was one of Pakistan’s standout performers at the 2026 T20 World Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 383 runs at a strike rate of 160. He subsequently captained Pakistan at the Asian Games, making him a natural choice to lead the T20I side.
His aggressive approach at the top could allow Pakistan to make a fast start, while his experience from recent international assignments should help him manage the pressure of captaincy.
Saim Ayub is likely to partner Farhan at the top of the order.
The left-hander gives Pakistan a different dimension with his ability to attack from the powerplay. His combination with Farhan could provide Pakistan with a left-right opening partnership and allow the captain to use different scoring options against Sri Lanka’s new-ball attack.
With the visitors missing Pathum Nissanka and Hasaranga due to injuries, Pakistan will have an opportunity to put early pressure on Sri Lanka.
Fakhar Zaman could slot into the No. 3 position and provide experience to a relatively youthful batting unit.
The left-hander remains one of Pakistan’s most destructive white-ball batters. His ability to clear the boundary and attack spin makes him an important option in the middle of the powerplay.
Fakhar’s experience will also be valuable as Pakistan introduce several younger players into the T20I setup.
Hasan Nawaz could bat at No. 4 after an impressive showing at the Asian Games.
He was Pakistan’s highest run-scorer at the tournament, finishing with 123 runs. His 96 off 51 balls in the gold-medal match against India was a particularly memorable performance, although Pakistan ultimately finished with the silver medal.
His ability to attack spin and pace makes him a strong candidate for a middle-order role.
Khawaja Nafay is likely to take the wicketkeeping gloves.
The 24-year-old has been included as the specialist wicketkeeper in Pakistan’s T20I squad, with Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Maaz Sadaqat and others providing additional batting options.
Nafay could therefore receive an extended opportunity to establish himself in the international setup.
Shadab Khan brings valuable experience and balance to the side.
The all-rounder can contribute with leg-spin while providing aggressive batting in the lower middle order. His experience in T20 cricket around the world makes him an important senior figure in a relatively young squad.
Abdul Samad could be Pakistan’s designated finisher.
His ability to strike the ball cleanly makes him a natural candidate for the No. 7 role. If Pakistan’s top order provides a solid platform, Samad could be given the licence to attack during the final overs.
Arafat Minhas could provide Pakistan with another left-handed batting option as well as useful left-arm spin.
His presence would give Farhan an additional bowling option and allow Pakistan to maintain depth across both departments.
Abrar Ahmed is likely to lead the spin attack.
The mystery spinner’s variations can make him difficult to line up, particularly during the middle overs. Sri Lanka’s batters will have to carefully assess his pace and variations before committing to aggressive shots.
Naseem Shah is expected to spearhead the pace attack.
His return to the T20I setup adds experience and quality to Pakistan’s bowling unit. Naseem last played a T20I for Pakistan against Sri Lanka in February 2026 and could now be entrusted with the new ball.
His ability to generate pace and movement will make him a key threat to Sri Lanka’s top order.
Sufiyan Moqim could complete the bowling attack.
The left-arm wrist-spinner offers a different angle from Abrar Ahmed and could form an effective spin partnership in the middle overs. His inclusion would give Pakistan two contrasting spin options.
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