Pakistan cricket enters a new chapter as the Pakistan Cricket Board unveiled squads for two major home series on Monday, handing the T20I captaincy to Sahibzada Farhan while retaining Shaheen Shah Afridi as ODI skipper for the upcoming contests against Sri Lanka and England.
Farhan, who recently led Pakistan at the Asian Games, will captain the national side in three T20 Internationals against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 9 to 13. The appointment marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s white-ball leadership structure and signals the board’s intent to test fresh captaincy options ahead of major global tournaments.
In a dramatic shake-up, all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been excluded from both squads after being removed as T20I captain. The decision reflects Pakistan’s ongoing search for the right leadership formula following inconsistent performances in recent months. Wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan and spinner Usman Tariq have also been left out.
The squads feature several intriguing selections that could reshape Pakistan’s white-ball fortunes. Razaullah, who impressed during the third Test against England with his batting prowess, has earned his maiden white-ball call-up for both formats. Mohammad Imran Randhawa receives his first T20I opportunity, while wicketkeeper Saad Baig joins the ODI setup.
Shaheen Afridi will lead a star-studded ODI squad featuring Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and a potent pace attack including Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. The seven-match tri-series, beginning October 18, will see Pakistan face England and Sri Lanka across Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the final scheduled for October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium.
England arrives with a reshuffled squad captained by Harry Brook, who led them to a 2-1 ODI series victory over Sri Lanka last month. The visitors will be without Jos Buttler due to a hamstring injury, while Jofra Archer has been rested. Adil Rashid and Sam Curran return from injury, and leg-spinner Mason Crane could make his ODI debut eight years after his sole Test appearance.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, has made bold selection calls of their own. Former captain Charith Asalanka has been dropped from the ODI tri-series squad after managing scores of just 1, 11, and 7 during their recent England tour. Kusal Mendis will captain both the T20I and ODI squads, though opener Pathum Nissanka’s participation remains subject to medical clearance.
The PCB has assembled an experienced support staff led by head coach Mike Hesson, with Shaun Tait as bowling coach and Michael Smith handling batting duties. The home series represents crucial preparation for Pakistan as they build toward the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Following the tri-series, Sri Lanka will remain in Pakistan for a two-Test series beginning November 9, forming part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle. The extended tour promises nearly two months of high-quality international cricket on Pakistani soil, a testament to the country’s successful efforts to restore its status as a safe and welcoming host nation.
With new captains, fresh faces, and three competitive teams converging in Pakistan, the upcoming series could prove pivotal in shaping the subcontinent’s cricketing landscape heading into the next World Cup cycle.
