The Pakistan team is likely to go on the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka without several of its biggest names, with star batter Babar Azam and multiple senior players expected to stay on in Australia for their Big Bash League (BBL 15) commitments.
Babar is currently the face of BBL 15 after signing with the Sydney Sixers, where his presence, along with that of Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and others, has driven a huge surge in crowds and TV ratings.
The three-match series in Sri Lanka is scheduled for January 7, 9, and 11 in Dambulla, with the selection committee in the final stages of confirming the touring party.
With Babar and other marquee names heavily involved in BBL 15, Pakistan are likely to open the door for younger players. Promising opener Maaz Sadaqat and right-arm quick Ahmed Daniyal are among those being discussed for inclusion, as Pakistan look to broaden their T20 options ahead of a crucial year.
If Babar and other senior pros do miss the Sri Lanka series, the tour could effectively become an audition for fringe players and youngsters looking to break into Pakistan’s first-choice XI.
It would also mean Pakistan going into an away assignment in subcontinental conditions without its premier batter and several first-choice white-ball specialists.
The PCB has yet to make a formal announcement on squad composition, but indications from both the BBL and Pakistan camp suggest that franchise commitments are being strongly prioritised, making the absence of Babar Azam and other leading stars from the Sri Lanka tour increasingly likely.
