Farhan Leads Pakistan Against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi T20 Series

Pakistan begin a new phase of their Twenty20 international campaign against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 9, with Sahibzada Farhan taking charge of a revamped squad ahead of the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The three-match home series runs through October 13, giving both teams an opportunity to assess emerging combinations and players returning to international duty.

Farhan's appointment follows his leadership of Pakistan's second-string team at the Asian Games in Japan, where the side secured silver after losing the final to India. Pakistan have made significant personnel changes, leaving out established names including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, former T20I captain Salman Ali Agha and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan from the T20 squad.

The changes come as selectors reshape the team for the next global tournament. According to Al Jazeera's October 6 report, Farhan replaced Salman Ali Agha as captain, while Hasan Nawaz and fast bowler Naseem Shah returned to the shortest format.

Farhan expressed confidence in the revised lineup ahead of the opening match.

"I am confident that this new combination is the best and will settle in this series," said Farhan.

The new captain also addressed expectations surrounding his leadership, drawing on his recent experience with the Asian Games squad.

"I know how to lead the side and I will not take pressure," Farhan said.

Hasan Nawaz earned his recall after scoring 96 in the Asian Games final, where Pakistan lost by 19 runs. Naseem last appeared in T20 internationals at the T20 World Cup in February and has also been selected for the upcoming one-day international tri-series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England.

Razaullah, who impressed on his Test debut against England in Birmingham last month, has also been included in both white-ball squads. He has yet to make his international debut in either limited-overs format. Shaheen, meanwhile, remains the ODI captain and is scheduled to lead Pakistan in the tri-series beginning October 18.

Pakistan's squad changes extend to the wicketkeeping department. Khawaja Nafay has been selected as the specialist wicketkeeper for the T20Is, while Ghazi Ghori is the first-choice wicketkeeper for the ODI team. Al Jazeera reported that Rizwan was omitted while under investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority.

Sri Lanka are also adjusting their lineup under captain Kusal Mendis, with leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and former captain Charith Asalanka absent from the touring squad. Hasaranga's absence is particularly notable because he shares fifth place on the all-time T20I wicket-taking list, with 163 wickets in 101 matches.

Mendis acknowledged the loss of the injured leg-spinner but backed the remaining players to contribute during the Pakistan tour.

"Unfortunately, Wanindu is still injured, and we will miss him but we have a few other exciting players who I am sure will stand up and perform," said Mendis.

The Sri Lankan captain also pointed to his team's familiarity with conditions in Pakistan. Mendis played in the Pakistan Super League earlier in 2026, while several members of both squads have experience playing alongside or against one another in the competition.

"I think everyone knows how to play in Pakistan," Mendis said.

Mendis added that Sri Lanka's players were familiar with some of Pakistan's new selections through their participation in the domestic franchise competition and expressed hope that his side would perform well.

The second T20I is scheduled for October 11, followed by the third on October 13, with all three matches taking place in Rawalpindi. Pakistan's ODI tri-series with Sri Lanka and England is due to begin at the same venue on October 18.