Pakistan have announced a 16-man squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.
The squad is almost identical to the one that played the three games against a touring World XI side in Lahore last month. Sohail Khan, who was flown in as cover for the then expectant father Mohammad Amir, is the only notable absentee from the squad.
Amir, who was ruled out of the on-going ODI series due to a shin injury, has been included in the team subject to fitness clearance. All-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, who played in the T20Is in West Indies in March but was not part of the squad last month, finds himself reinstated to play the 20-over setup.
Once again the focus has been to create an all-rounder heavy squad as evidenced by the presence of Hafeez, Imad Wasim and Shoaib Malik – who will all add depth to the batting line up while not compromising on the bowling.
The first two matches of the series will be played on October 26 and 27 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The teams will then travel to Lahore for the last match. Earlier, there were concerns about the last match being held in Pakistan after the Sri Lankan players expressed their reluctance to travel to Pakistan. However, the issue has been solved after an assurance from the Sri Lankan board.
Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (c&wk), Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Aamer Yamin, Mohammad Amir, Rumman Raees, Usman Shinwari, Umar Amin
