ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan has recalled all-rounder Shadab Khan and included uncapped batsman Khawaja Nafi in its 15-man squad for next month’s T20 series in Sri Lanka.
Shadab is currently playing for Sydney Thunder in Australia’s ongoing Big Bash League but has not featured in a T20 international since the home series against Bangladesh in June.
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The all-rounder subsequently underwent shoulder surgery and returned to the BBL this month after recovering.
As part of Pakistan’s rotation policy ahead of finalizing their squad for the T20 World Cup in February and March, the selectors omitted Babar Azam, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who also play in the BBL. Pakistan is scheduled to play all its T20 World Cup matches in Colombo, with India and Sri Lanka serving as co-hosts.
The 23-year-old Nafi, who is also a part-time wicketkeeper, scored 688 runs in 32 T20 games at a strike rate of 132.81 and was selected for the national team for the first time.
Salman Ali Agha continues to captain Pakistan after leading them in 34 T20 matches this year.
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Sri Lanka’s three-match series will be played in Dambulla on January 7, 9 and 11. Pakistan is also scheduled to host Australia for three T20 World Cup matches next month before flying to Colombo for the T20 World Cup.
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Lineup: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abra Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafai, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
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AP Cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket
