Pakistan is likely to tour Sri Lanka for the upcoming T20I series without several of its biggest stars, with Babar Azam and multiple senior players expected to remain in Australia due to their Big Bash League (BBL 15) commitments.
The three-match T20I series is scheduled to be played in Dambulla on January 7, 9, and 11, while the national selection committee is in the final stages of confirming the touring squad.
BBL Commitments Impact Pakistan Squad
Babar Azam is currently one of the central figures of BBL 15 after signing with the Sydney Sixers. His participation, along with that of Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and other Pakistani stars, has led to a sharp rise in stadium attendance and television ratings across Australia.
With BBL 15 running simultaneously, sources suggest that franchise commitments are being prioritized, making the availability of senior Pakistani players for the Sri Lanka tour increasingly unlikely.
Opportunity for Young Players
In the likely absence of senior stars, Pakistan could use the Sri Lanka series as a testing ground for emerging talent. Promising opener Maaz Sadaqat and right-arm pacer Ahmed Daniyal are among the young players being discussed for inclusion.
Selectors are reportedly keen to expand Pakistan’s T20 talent pool, especially with a packed international calendar and multiple ICC events ahead.
Challenges Without Senior Players
If Babar Azam and other key players do miss the series, Pakistan would head into a subcontinental away assignment without its premier batter and several established white-ball specialists. While this poses challenges, it also provides a valuable opportunity for fringe players to stake their claim for future selection.
PCB Yet to Confirm Squad
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to officially announce the squad. However, indications from both the BBL organizers and Pakistan’s team management suggest that player availability remains a concern, and a second-string or experimental squad could be sent to Sri Lanka.
