Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have been left out of Pakistan's 15-player squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, announced on Sunday. The quartet is currently playing in the Big Bash League.

However, veteran all-rounder Shadab Khan, who is playing for Sydney Thunder currently in the BBL, has been recalled to the national team as they look to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Salman Agha will lead the side.

The selectors have also included the uncapped Khawaja Nafay, who has scored 688 runs in 32 T20s, at a strike rate of 132.81. It's the maiden T20I call-up for the right-handed batter who impressed for Quetta Gladiators in this season's Pakistan Super League.

The three-match series, starting from January 7, is scheduled to be played in Dambulla.

Squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq

Pakistan are set to feature in Group B, for the upcoming T20 World Cup, where they will face India, Namibia, Netherlands and USA.