Key Takeaways
- 1๐ Khawaja Nafay: 688 T20 runs at 132.81 SR, PSL star
- 2๐ Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen rested; Salman Agha captains
- 3๐ก Shadab Khan recalled for WC prep in spin-friendly Dambulla
- 4๐ฎ Nafay's debut could reshape Pakistan's WC middle order
- 5๐ฌ Bold squad signals youth push post recent T20 struggles
"Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, all involved in the BBL, haven't been included"
Pakistan shakes up for Sri Lanka T20Is, naming uncapped Khawaja Nafay in a 15-man squad led by Salman Agha, sidelining stars B Babar Azam, Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf busy in BBL. Veteran Shadab Khan returns despite Thunder duties, signaling T20 WC 2026 prep. Series starts January 7 in Dambulla, blending youth and experience.
Nafay's call-up rewards PSL fireworks: 688 runs in 32 T20s at 132.81 SR for Quetta Gladiators. Absences allow rest for big guns; Shadab's recall (all-round wizardry, 50+ wickets) bolsters middle order. Pakistan's WC build-up mirrors 2022 experiments, post recent whitewashes. Squad depth tested ahead of super-eight push.
New Blood Infusion: Nafay's Metrics and Risks
Nafay's maiden T20I brings power-hitting: averages 25+ in domestics. Squad stats: Naseem Shah (pace spearhead), Abrar Ahmad (mystery spin). Historical: uncapped gems like Saim Ayub shone; contrasts rested stars' BBL form (Shaheen 15 wickets). Tactics favor spin-friendly Dambulla, prepping subcontinent WC.
WC Pathway and Leadership Test
Salman Agha's captaincy debut eyes cohesion; series impacts WC probables. Comparisons: Fakhar Zaman's resurgence vital. Trajectory boosts Nafay's IPL auction stock, reshaping Pakistan's middle order post-Babar era questions.
Dambulla Preview and WC Momentum
January 7 opener crucial; success cements rotations. Watch Nafay's debutโcould he be 2026 X-factor? Series sets WC tone.
"Khawaja Nafay impressed for Quetta Gladiators" โ Cricbuzz
Related Stories




