Karachi’s influence on Pakistan’s T20 plans was unmistakable as the national selectors named a 15-member squad for next month’s three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, with several players who featured prominently for the city in the domestic season earning selection.
The headline return was that of Shadab Khan, who comes back into the T20I setup after last playing international cricket in June.
Shadab, one of Karachi’s most high-profile cricketers, has completed a successful rehabilitation following shoulder surgery and is currently sharpening his form in Australia’s Big Bash League. His inclusion adds experience and balance to a side that continues to evolve ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
For Karachi cricket, however, the most encouraging development was the maiden call-up of Khawaja Nafay.
The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, regarded as one of Karachi’s emerging stars, has steadily climbed the ladder through strong performances in domestic cricket and with Pakistan Shaheens.
Nafay featured across formats for Karachi this season and impressed with his composure and clean hitting. His selection reflects the growing faith in Karachi’s next generation, with the right-hander having scored at a strike rate of over 132 in T20 cricket.
Another Karachi-linked name to make the squad is Usman Khan, whose contributions in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy played a key role in Karachi’s campaign.
Usman’s ability to absorb pressure and score runs in crucial moments did not go unnoticed, and the selectors have rewarded him with a place as a wicketkeeper-batter option in the T20I side.
Saim Ayub, who has been a regular feature for Karachi across recent domestic seasons and has already tasted international cricket, also retains his spot. The left-hander’s attacking intent and versatility at the top of the order continue to make him a valuable asset as Pakistan fine-tune combinations ahead of the World Cup.
Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the side, having been Pakistan’s most-used T20I player this year. The team will depart for Sri Lanka in the first week of January, with all three matches scheduled at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on January 7, 9 and 11.
With Pakistan set to play all their World Cup fixtures in Colombo, the Sri Lanka series serves as a critical rehearsal. For Karachi cricket, it is also a moment of pride: seasoned campaigners and emerging talents alike are now central to Pakistan’s plans on the international stage.
15-member Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq
Team Management:
Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Hanif Malik (batting Coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Col. Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)
Series Schedule:
7 January – First T20I
9 January – Second T20I
11 January – Third T20I
