Pakistan will open a three-match T20 international series against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 9, with Sahibzada Farhan leading a heavily reshaped side.
The series marks a rebuilding phase for both teams as they assess emerging players and develop combinations for future international competitions, including the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Pakistan have left out Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf as selectors explore alternatives to the established lineup.
Farhan's appointment follows his leadership of Pakistan's team at the Asian Games in Japan, where the side secured silver after losing to India in the final.
The hosts also enter the series with a favorable historical record, having won 18 of their 30 T20 internationals against Sri Lanka, according to The News.
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by five runs in their most recent meeting during the Super Eight stage of the previous T20 World Cup.
Farhan Backs New Combination
Farhan said the revised lineup had been selected with confidence ahead of the opening match.
"I am confident that this new combination is the best and will settle in this series.
I know how to lead the side and I will not take pressure," Farhan said.
The captain identified the series as an opportunity to assess players for Pakistan's future international commitments.
Several young cricketers gained experience at the Asian Games, while newcomers, including Razaullah and Imran Randhawa, could make their international debuts.
Naseem Shah is expected to provide experience within the developing pace attack.
"As captain, I have full trust in my players. I am hopeful that they will deliver to the best of their abilities," Farhan said.
Pakistan's management will use the matches to evaluate potential combinations as the team begins its longer-term preparations for the 2028 tournament.
Experienced players Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Shadab Khan remain available to support the new captain.
"This series is important from Pakistan's perspective as we want to see which combination will be best suited for our future international commitments," Farhan said.
Sri Lanka Adjust Without Hasaranga
Sri Lanka arrive in Rawalpindi under captain Kusal Mendis after a difficult white-ball tour of England.
The visitors lost all three T20 internationals in that series and are also making changes, with Wanindu Hasaranga unavailable because of injury and Charith Asalanka absent from the touring squad.
Hasaranga's absence is significant because he has taken 163 wickets in 101 T20 internationals, placing him joint-fifth on the format's all-time wicket-taking list, according to The Daily Star.
Sri Lanka have called up younger options, including Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and opening batter Sineth Jayawardena, as they look to strengthen their lineup.
"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," Mendis said.
The Sri Lankan captain has additional responsibility following his appointment to lead the country's Test team.
His experience in Pakistan, including participation in the Pakistan Super League earlier in 2026, could also help him manage the conditions at Rawalpindi.
"I think everyone knows how to play in Pakistan.
Pakistan also have some new faces but their players are good and we know some of them from the PSL, so I hope our players will do well," Mendis said.
Although Sri Lanka struggled in England, Mendis said the team had identified positive performances to build on before the Pakistan tour.
"Yes, it will be a challenging series for us as we are coming out of the England series where our performance was not up to the mark.
Still, there were some positives from that series. There were some good performances which we want to carry forward," Mendis said.
"We have faced Pakistan many times and played in these conditions on numerous occasions.
These conditions are almost similar to the ones we find in Sri Lanka," Mendis said.
Sri Lanka's head coach Gary Kirsten, the former South Africa coach, will oversee the side during its transition.
"Nothing to take away from Pakistan, but we are ready under our new coach Gary Kirsten, who knows the game and the conditions better," Mendis said.
Conditions at Rawalpindi could favor attacking batting, with both teams considering the use of three specialist fast bowlers.
The evening weather forecast was favorable, while the pitch was expected to offer opportunities for high scores.
"The tracks look full of runs. We are considering the inclusion of three pacers," Mendis said.
The opening match is scheduled for October 9, with the second and third T20 internationals set for October 11 and October 13, respectively, all at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
