Colombo, Sri Lanka – November 22, 2025: In a significant setback for Pakistan’s white-ball campaign, star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been officially ruled out of the opening ODI against Sri Lanka, scheduled for tomorrow at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. The left-arm quick suffered a hamstring strain during net sessions ahead of the series, forcing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to make a last-minute squad adjustment.
Afridi, Pakistan’s premier pace asset and a key architect of their 2023 Asia Cup triumph, was expected to lead the attack alongside Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr. His absence – confirmed via a PCB statement late Friday – leaves a gaping hole in the bowling lineup, especially on a pitch known for favoring swing and seam movement. The 25-year-old, who has claimed 99 wickets at an average of 22.77, underwent scans that revealed a Grade 1 strain, with hopes of a return for the second ODI on November 26. However, his participation remains touch-and-go, pending further assessment.
To mitigate the blow, the PCB has swiftly called up Mohammad Hasnain as a replacement. The 24-year-old slingy pacer, with 35 ODI wickets from 23 matches, adds raw pace and yorker variations to the mix. Hasnain, who last featured in ODIs during the 2023 World Cup, will join the squad in Colombo overnight. “Shaheen’s injury is a big loss, but we’ve got depth in our bowling unit. Haris will shoulder more responsibility, and Hasnain’s inclusion gives us that extra edge,” said interim head coach Azhar Mahmood in a pre-match briefing.
The three-match ODI series marks Pakistan’s first bilateral engagement since Babar Azam’s return as white-ball captain, with the team aiming to build momentum ahead of the 2026 Champions Trophy. Sri Lanka, led by the in-form Charith Asalanka, enters the contest on a high after a 2-0 T20I series whitewash over the visitors earlier this month. The hosts will bank on their spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana to counter Pakistan’s aggressive batting order, featuring Fakhar Zaman, Babar, and Saud Shakeel.
Pakistan’s probable XI: Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (c), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Agha Salman, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah.
Fans and analysts are already dissecting the impact: Without Afridi’s death-over wizardry and new-ball swing, can Rauf and Naseem Shah deliver? Social media is abuzz with #PrayForShaheen, as supporters rally behind the talisman. The match, starting at 2:30 PM local time, will be broadcast live on PTV Sports and streamed on Tamasha app.
Stay tuned for live updates – this series could define Pakistan’s ODI resurgence. Will it be a blessing in disguise for emerging talents like Hasnain, or a wake-up call for squad rotation? Only time – and the Colombo pitch – will tell.
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