Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has expressed satisfaction with the recent performance of the country’s spinners, describing their growing influence in Test cricket as an encouraging sign for the team’s future.
In an interview with Bangladeshi media, Nawaz noted that Test matches in Pakistan used to end in draws due to flat pitches, but said the trend has started to change in recent times.
“Recently, our spinners have started giving strong performances in Test matches,” Nawaz said.
“Although our fast bowlers have been world-class from the start and we still rely heavily on them, it is encouraging to see the spinners winning matches and contributing decisively to series wins,” he added.
The left-arm spinner highlighted the influence of veteran bowlers like Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan and Yasir Shah and said their success has inspired younger players to take the long format more seriously.
“When players like Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan and Yasir Shah perform well, it inspires young spinners to give more 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.
“I’ve had five or six seasons in the PBL and it’s great to play here,” he said. “However, there have been many incidents that should not have happened.”
Despite his concerns, he acknowledged the league’s growing stature on the international stage.
“The PBL has become a global brand that 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 the 15-man squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to be played next month.
Salman Ali Agha, who played a record 34 T20 matches in 2025 – the most by any Pakistani player in the year – will continue to lead the team in the upcoming series.
Meanwhile, Shatab Khan, who represented Pakistan last June, underwent shoulder surgery earlier this year.
After completing a successful rehabilitation program at the National Cricket Academy, the all-rounder returned to competitive cricket and is currently playing in Australia’s Big Bash League (BPL).
The squad also features uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman Khawaja Nafe. The 23-year-old right-hander, who was recently part of the Pakistan Shaheens outfit, has played 32 T20Is and has a strike rate of 132.81.
Pakistan is scheduled to leave for Sri Lanka in the first week of January and the three T20 matches are scheduled to be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) in Dambulla on January 7, 9 and 11.
The series will be a key preparation opportunity for Pakistan ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Pakistan will play all their World Cup matches in Colombo.
Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka T20:
Salman Ali Agha (capt), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faqar Zaman, Khawaja Nafe (Wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (WK), Saim Ayub, Shatab Khan and Taqman Uqs Khan.