Overview
- Senior players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf are not selected as they continue in Australia’s Big Bash League.
- All-rounder Shadab Khan returns from shoulder surgery after completing rehabilitation and resuming competitive play in the BBL.
- Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay receives a maiden call-up, while Salman Ali Agha is confirmed to lead the side.
- Pakistan will travel in phases on January 4–5, with three T20Is set for Dambulla on January 7, 9 and 11.
- The series feeds directly into T20 World Cup planning, with preliminary squad submissions due in early January and ICC rules governing late changes.