Pakistan Squad Set for Major Overhaul Ahead of Sri Lanka T20I Series in January 2026
Pakistan is gearing up for a significant squad restructuring as the national team prepares to face Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series starting January 7, 2026. With the T20 World Cup 2026 just weeks away, these changes could shape Pakistan’s tournament strategy for the mega event co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
According to sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board, the selection committee is in deep discussions about squad composition, with several high-profile returns and potential debuts on the horizon. The upcoming series in Dambulla will serve as crucial preparation ground before teams finalize their World Cup squads.
Shadab Khan’s Highly Anticipated Return
Vice-captain Shadab Khan is set to make his comeback after being sidelined due to injury concerns. His absence was felt during Pakistan’s recent tours, and his return brings much-needed experience to the middle order and spin department. Shadab’s all-round capabilities make him indispensable, especially with the World Cup approaching.
The Islamabad-born cricketer has been working on his fitness and is expected to slot back into his leadership role alongside captain Babar Azam. His ability to break partnerships and contribute quick runs down the order could prove vital in the high-pressure environment of international cricket.
Haris Rauf Under Serious Consideration
Fast bowler Haris Rauf, who missed the South Africa tour and the tri-nation series, is now being evaluated for selection. The selectors are carefully assessing his fitness levels and availability before making a final call. Rauf’s express pace and death-overs expertise have been missed in recent matches.
His potential inclusion would significantly bolster Pakistan’s pace attack, providing the team with a genuine wicket-taking option in the powerplay and at the death. With the T20 World Cup 2026 schedule already released, Pakistan needs its best bowlers firing on all cylinders.
Fresh Faces Ready to Make Their Mark
Maaz Sadaqat’s Potential Debut
Emerging opener Maaz Sadaqat could receive his maiden call-up to the national squad. The Pakistan Shaheens’ batter has impressed selectors with consistent performances in domestic cricket and the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. His aggressive batting style fits perfectly into modern T20 cricket’s demands.
Sadaqat’s inclusion would add depth to Pakistan’s opening options and provide healthy competition for established players. At a time when teams are looking for fearless young talent, his selection makes strategic sense.
Ahmed Daniyal Set for Squad Entry
Fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal is also likely to find himself in the squad. The young pacer has shown promise in recent domestic competitions and could provide fresh energy to Pakistan’s bowling unit. His ability to generate pace and extract bounce makes him an exciting prospect.
BBL Commitments and Workload Management
An interesting aspect of this squad selection involves players currently participating in Big Bash League (BBL) 15. Sources confirm that some cricketers will continue their BBL stints alongside the Sri Lanka tour, subject to availability and workload management considerations.
This dual-commitment approach reflects modern cricket’s complex scheduling challenges. Pakistan’s management must balance player development opportunities in premium leagues with national team requirements, especially with the World Cup looming.
Key BBL Players in Consideration:
- Managing overseas league commitments
- Ensuring players remain fresh for World Cup
- Balancing exposure against workload risks
- Monitoring fitness levels throughout January
Series Schedule and Venue Details
The three-match T20I series will unfold in Dambulla with matches scheduled for:
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | January 7, 2026 | Dambulla |
| 2nd T20I | January 9, 2026 | Dambulla |
| 3rd T20I | January 11, 2026 | Dambulla |
All fixtures at the same venue will test Pakistan’s adaptability to conditions while providing Sri Lanka with home advantage. These matches serve as critical preparation before the latest World Cup updates become reality in February.
World Cup Squad Deadline Pressure
The timing of this series carries extra significance as January 7 marks the deadline for submitting preliminary squads for the T20 World Cup 2026. Teams can make unlimited changes until this date without seeking ICC approval, making the Sri Lanka series a final audition ground for borderline selections.
Important World Cup Regulations:
- Preliminary squad deadline: January 7, 2026
- Changes allowed freely until deadline
- Post-deadline alterations need ICC approval
- Last-minute changes restricted one week before tournament
Pakistan’s World Cup Challenge
Pakistan faces a formidable challenge in Group A, drawn alongside arch-rivals India, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. The tournament runs from February 7 to March 8, giving teams minimal time between the Sri Lanka series and cricket’s biggest stage.
The squad selected for Sri Lanka will likely form the core of Pakistan’s World Cup campaign. Selectors must balance experience with form, fitness with potential, and proven performers with emerging talent. Every decision carries enormous weight given the tournament’s proximity.
Selection Dilemmas Facing Pakistan
The selection committee faces several tough calls:
Batting Combinations Should Pakistan persist with established openers or blood Maaz Sadaqat? How will middle-order roles be distributed with Shadab’s return?
Pace Attack Balance Rauf’s potential inclusion creates competition for spots. Will Pakistan opt for raw pace or variety in their seam attack?
All-Rounder Options With Shadab back, how will Pakistan utilize their all-rounders? Will they go spin-heavy or maintain pace-bowling depth?
Youth vs Experience Ahmed Daniyal’s possible selection signals faith in youth, but can Pakistan afford experimentation weeks before a World Cup?
What This Means for Pakistan Cricket
These squad changes reflect Pakistan’s attempt to find their best combination under pressure. The Sri Lanka series represents the final testing ground before World Cup squads are locked in. Every performance will be scrutinized, every selection debated.
For players on the fringes, this is their moment. For established stars returning from injury, it’s about proving fitness. For newcomers, it’s about seizing opportunity with both hands. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Pakistan aims to arrive at the World Cup with confidence and clarity about their best XI.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Pakistan announce their Sri Lanka T20I squad? The squad announcement is expected within days, with consultations currently underway among selectors. An official announcement should come before early January 2026.
Is Shadab Khan fit for the Sri Lanka series? Yes, vice-captain Shadab Khan has recovered from his injury and is set to be included in the squad for the three-match series starting January 7.
Will Haris Rauf play against Sri Lanka? Rauf is under consideration but not confirmed yet. Selectors are assessing his fitness and availability after he missed recent tours to South Africa and the tri-nation series.
Who is Maaz Sadaqat? Maaz Sadaqat is an emerging opening batter from Pakistan Shaheens who impressed in domestic cricket and the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. He could make his international debut.
Can Pakistan change their World Cup squad after January 7? Yes, but changes made after the January 7 deadline require ICC approval. Teams have complete freedom to modify squads until that date without seeking permission.
Where will Pakistan play their World Cup matches? Pakistan is in Group A and will face India, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia between February 7 and March 8, 2026, at various venues across India and Sri Lanka.
