LAHORE, DEC 31: Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has expressed satisfaction with the recent performances of the country’s spin bowlers, describing their growing influence in Test cricket as an encouraging sign for the team’s future.
Speaking to Bangladeshi media, Nawaz noted that Test matches in Pakistan previously tended to end in draws due to flat pitches, but said the trend has begun to shift in recent times.
“Lately, our spinners have started delivering strong performances in Test matches,” Nawaz said.
“Although our fast bowlers have been world-class from the very beginning and we still rely heavily on them, it is encouraging to see spinners winning matches and playing a decisive role in series victories,” he added.
The left-arm spinner highlighted the impact of experienced bowlers such as Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan and Yasir Shah, adding that their success has inspired younger players to take the longest format more seriously.
“When players like Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan and Yasir Shah perform well, it motivates young spinners to give greater importance to Test cricket,” he added.
Nawaz also reflected on his experience in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he has featured regularly over the years.
“It has been five or six seasons for me in the BPL, and it feels good to play here,” he said. “However, there have been several incidents that should not have happened.”
Despite his concerns, he acknowledged the league’s growing stature on the international stage.
“The BPL has become a global brand where international cricketers come to play, but it is unfortunate that negative news continues to emerge,” he concluded.
It is pertinent to mention that the 31-year-old is part of Pakistan’s T20I squad, as the men’s national selection committee recently announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to be played next month.
Salman Ali Agha, who featured in a record 34 T20I matches in 2025 — the most by any Pakistan player this year — will continue to lead the side in the forthcoming series.
Meanwhile, Shadab Khan, who last represented Pakistan in June, underwent shoulder surgery earlier this year.
After completing a successful rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy, the all-rounder has returned to competitive cricket and is currently featuring in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
The squad also includes uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay. The 23-year-old right-hander, who was recently part of the Pakistan Shaheens setup, has featured in 32 T20 matches and boasts a strike rate of 132.81.
Pakistan are set to depart for Sri Lanka in the first week of January, with all three T20Is scheduled to be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) in Dambulla on January 7, 9 and 11.
The series will serve as a key preparation opportunity for Pakistan ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Pakistan are scheduled to play all their World Cup matches in Colombo.
Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka T20Is:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq.
