Pakistan’s new T20I captain Sahibzada Farhan has made it clear that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan remain welcome in the national side, despite their absence from the squad selected for the Sri Lanka series. His remarks suggest that neither batter has been ruled out of future T20I selection.
Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s home series against Sri Lanka, Farhan praised the two experienced players and acknowledged their standing in international cricket. He said both could return to the T20 setup whenever the opportunity arose.
Babar and Rizwan have been among Pakistan’s most productive batters in T20 internationals. Babar has scored 4,596 T20I runs, while Rizwan has accumulated 3,414, placing both among the country’s leading run-scorers in the format.
Babar last represented Pakistan in T20Is during the 2026 T20 World Cup, while Rizwan’s most recent appearance in the format came during the 2024 series against South Africa. Their current absence marks a change in Pakistan’s approach as the team explores different combinations.
Farhan takes charge of Pakistan’s T20I side as the team begins preparing for its next phase of international cricket. The three-match series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi provides his first opportunity to lead the national team in a bilateral T20I contest.
The new captain has expressed confidence in the players selected for the current squad. His immediate focus is on building a competitive combination and establishing his approach to leadership, rather than looking too far ahead.
For supporters of Babar and Rizwan, Farhan’s statement offers a reason to keep the possibility of their return in mind.
Pakistan’s new T20I captain Sahibzada Farhan has made it clear that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan remain welcome in the national side, despite their absence from the squad selected for the Sri Lanka series.
Pakistan’s new T20I captain Sahibzada Farhan has made it clear that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan remain welcome in the national side, despite their absence from the squad selected for the Sri Lanka series. His remarks suggest that neither batter has been ruled out of future T20I selection.
Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s home series against Sri Lanka, Farhan praised the two experienced players and acknowledged their standing in international cricket. He said both could return to the T20 setup whenever the opportunity arose.
Babar and Rizwan have been among Pakistan’s most productive batters in T20 internationals. Babar has scored 4,596 T20I runs, while Rizwan has accumulated 3,414, placing both among the country’s leading run-scorers in the format.
Babar last represented Pakistan in T20Is during the 2026 T20 World Cup, while Rizwan’s most recent appearance in the format came during the 2024 series against South Africa. Their current absence marks a change in Pakistan’s approach as the team explores different combinations.
Farhan takes charge of Pakistan’s T20I side as the team begins preparing for its next phase of international cricket. The three-match series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi provides his first opportunity to lead the national team in a bilateral T20I contest.
The new captain has expressed confidence in the players selected for the current squad. His immediate focus is on building a competitive combination and establishing his approach to leadership, rather than looking too far ahead.
For supporters of Babar and Rizwan, Farhan’s statement offers a reason to keep the possibility of their return in mind.
