The Pakistan Cricket Board has unveiled its national squads for two upcoming assignments, confirming Sahibzada Farhan as T20I captain for the three-match series against Sri Lanka and retaining Shaheen Shah Afridi at the helm of the ODI side for a seven-match tri-series involving England and Sri Lanka.
Farhan’s Rise in the Shortest Format
Farhan’s appointment extends a leadership role he recently held at the Asian Games, signalling the PCB’s continued confidence in the top-order batter as its long-term T20I figurehead. The three T20Is against Sri Lanka are scheduled for Oct. 9, 11 and 13 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The 15-member T20I squad blends youth with experience. Khawaja Nafay has been handed wicketkeeping duties, while the pace attack features Naseem Shah, Razaullah and Salman Mirza. Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed provide spin options alongside Sufiyan Moqim and Arafat Minhas.
- T20I squad: Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Arafat Minhas, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Maaz Sadaqat, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Shadab Khan, Sufiyan Moqim.
Shaheen to Lead a Star-Studded ODI Unit
Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue as ODI captain for the tri-series, which brings together Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka across seven matches. The opening three fixtures will be staged in Rawalpindi, with the remaining league games and the final moving to Lahore.
The 16-member ODI squad includes senior batters Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Salman Ali Agha, with Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf adding experience to the bowling group. Saad Baig and Mohammad Ghazi Ghori are among the newer faces in the set-up.
- ODI squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Sufiyan Moqim.
Coaching and Support Staff Confirmed
Mike Hesson will head the team management as head coach. He will be supported by Shaun Tait as bowling coach, Michael Smith as batting coach and Mansoor Amjad as fielding coach. Naveed Akram Cheema has been named team manager.
The dual announcements underline a period of transition and continuity for Pakistan cricket, with a fresh T20I leader in Farhan and a proven campaigner in Shaheen steering the 50-over outfit through a demanding home tri-series.
