Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Hosts announce the 15-man squad for the T20I series

Pakistan have announced their 15-man squad for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka in Lahore. The two teams are currently involved in a three-match ODI series which the hosts are leading by 1-0 after winning the second match comfortably. The series opener was abandoned without the toss due to persistent rains. Pakistan are the number 1 side in the world in the T20Is and they would love to strengthen their position at the top in this series.

As far as the squad is concerned, 12 players of the One-Day International squad are the same with only three others making way. Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan and Abid Ali are not the part of the T20I squad picked by the head coach cum chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq. While Imam is a regular opener in the 50-over format, Abid and Rizwan would feel hard done after being left out without an opportunity.

Though it remains to be seen if they will get a chance in the third and final ODI set to be played at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.

Umar Akmal and Shehzad make a comeback

However, as per earlier reports, Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad have returned to the set up with the T20 World Cup set to be played next year. The duo last played in the format for the Men in Green in 2016 and 2018 respectively. It will be interesting to see if they grabbed the opportunity to seal their place in the side. Faheem Ashraf also returns for the T20Is after missing out on the bus to England for the World Cup earlier this year.

The veteran players Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik are also not the part of the squad. They are currently playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and have got the NOC from the PCB to play the tournament until October 12.

Pakistan T20I squad: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Ahmed(w/c), Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Usman Shinwari, Mohammad Nawaz, Asif Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Umar Akmal, Faheem Ashraf, Ahmed Shehzad.

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