Lahore (The COW News Digital)Pakistan’s selectors are considering significant changes to the national T20I squad ahead of the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, with Salman Ali Agha and Shaheen Shah Afridi among the prominent players whose places are reportedly uncertain.
According to sources, the Pakistan selection committee has held initial consultations over the proposed squads for the T20I and triangular ODI series. The final squads are expected to be announced later this week.
Wicketkeeper-batter Sahibzada Farhan is reportedly a strong candidate to lead Pakistan in the T20I series. If Farhan is appointed captain, Salman Ali Agha is not expected to be included in the T20I squad, according to sources familiar with the selection process.
Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi and fellow pacer Haris Rauf could also miss the T20I series as the selectors assess their options. However, the reported plans remain subject to change until the final squad is formally announced.
Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Shaheen are expected to retain their places in the ODI setup, indicating that the selection considerations are primarily linked to the T20I format at this stage.
Meanwhile, experienced batter Fakhar Zaman is reportedly in line for a return to the T20I squad. His potential comeback would add experience to a side that could feature several emerging players.
The selectors are closely monitoring the performances of young cricketers taking part in the Asian Games. Their performances are expected to play an important role in determining the final composition of the T20I squad.
The proposed list of players is expected to be finalized after the Asian Games semi-final, giving the selection committee an opportunity to assess the form and consistency of the younger players before making its final decisions.
Due to the ongoing domestic season and the Asian Games, the Pakistan team is not expected to hold a separate training camp before the upcoming white-ball assignments. Players selected for the white-ball squads will instead report directly to the team hotel in Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on October 4. The first T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played in Rawalpindi on October 9.
The second T20I is scheduled for October 11, followed by the third match on October 13, with all three games set to take place in Rawalpindi.
The T20I series will be followed by a triangular ODI series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England. The squad for Pakistan’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka will be announced separately at a later stage.
With several established players facing uncertainty in the T20I setup and young performers attracting the selectors’ attention, Pakistan’s upcoming squad announcement could signal a notable shift in the team’s white-ball combination. However, the final decisions will only become clear once the selection committee formally announces the squads.
