Pakistan is set to hand over the T20I captaincy to Sahibzada Farhan before the three-match series against Sri Lanka, a major leadership change ahead of an important home assignment.

The national selectors are preparing a relatively young squad for the series and Salman Ali Agha is likely to be replaced by Farhan as Pakistan T20I skipper. The decision could give the opening batsman another chance to prove his leadership credentials at the international level.

Farhan recently led Pakistan’s young side at the Asian Games 2026, leading the team to the final for the first time. Pakistan, however, went down to arch-rivals India in a high-scoring final by 19 runs to settle for a silver medal. Pakistan’s star of the show was Hasan Nawaz, smashing a brilliant 96 in the chase.

A number of experienced players are also expected to return for the Sri Lanka series. Former skipper Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman might return to the T20I setup.

But the changes could also see quite a few players dropped. Ahmed Daniyal, Saad Masood, Haider Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jnr are not expected to hold on to their places. Shaheen Shah Afridi is also unlikely to play in the series.

Historically, Pakistan have had the wood over Sri Lanka in T20Is, winning 18 of their 31 meetings, with Sri Lanka winning 13.

Post the T20I series, there will be an ODI tri-series between Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England from October 18. Pakistan will play Sri Lanka in the opening match in Rawalpindi before facing England on October 20.

For Farhan, the Sri Lanka series could be the start of an exciting new chapter in Pakistan cricket.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)