This is Pakistan cricket news for the week of 5–11 October 2026 — the stories actually moving, explained in plain language: the Sri Lanka series underway in Rawalpindi, the Babar Azam debate that won’t die, and the Hong Kong Sixes countdown with India looming.
Quick answer: This week: Pakistan opened a 3-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi (9–13 Oct) under new captain Sahibzada Farhan with Babar Azam dropped; the PCB named Abbas Afridi’s squad for the Hong Kong Sixes title defence (30 Oct–1 Nov), where Pakistan meet India on 30 October.
In this guide: Sri Lanka series: the state of play · The Babar debate · Hong Kong Sixes countdown · What to watch next · FAQs
Sri Lanka Series: The State of Play
The three-match T20I series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (9–13 October) is the first home assignment of the Sahibzada Farhan captaincy era. Sri Lanka won the toss in the opener and chose to bat, under captain Kusal Mendis with Dasun Shanaka and Dushmantha Chameera in their ranks.
For Pakistan, the series is a laboratory: uncapped Razaullah and Muhammad Imran Randhawa are in the squad, Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman are back, and the new top order gets its first extended run without Babar Azam. Results matter less than answers — does the aggressive template survive a full series? For the full squad list, see Pak Cricket News.
The Babar Debate Won’t Die
A week into the new era, Babar Azam’s absence remains the most-discussed topic in Pakistan cricket. The facts: 91 runs in six World Cup matches at 112.34, benched for the Super Eight, left out of the Asian Games squad, and now omitted from the Sri Lanka series. Coach Mike Hesson’s line — back “when required” — is deliberately open-ended.
Two camps have formed. One says a player of Babar’s class walks back in once the youngsters stumble; the other says T20 cricket has passed the anchor-batter era and Pakistan must not look back. The debate will resurface with every squad announcement until it is resolved on the field. Related: Babar on Pakistan’s playing-XI strategy →
Hong Kong Sixes Countdown
The week’s other big announcement: the PCB’s seven-man squad for the Hong Kong Sixes (30 October–1 November), captained by Abbas Afridi. Pakistan are defending champions and the tournament’s most successful side with six titles — the 2025 final saw them beat Kuwait by 43 runs, with Afridi smashing 52 off 11 balls.
The draw has delivered the fixture everyone wants: Pakistan vs India on 30 October at 11:15am PST, in Pool C alongside the UAE. Pakistan open against the UAE at 7:35am PST the same day and depart for Hong Kong on 28 October. Watch Muhammad Shahzad — his 49-ball first-class hundred for PTV is exactly the ball-striking the six-over format rewards.
What to Watch Next
- 13 October — 3rd T20I vs Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi: does the new order deliver a series win?
- 28 October — Pakistan squad departs for the Hong Kong Sixes.
- 30 October, 11:15am PST — Pakistan vs India, Hong Kong Sixes, Pool C.
- 1 November — Hong Kong Sixes finals day: can Pakistan make it seven titles?
For the bigger picture — the rebuild, the squad, the calendar — read Pak Cricket News: the definitive guide and Pakistan Cricket News: team and squad hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest Pakistan cricket news this week?
Pakistan are playing Sri Lanka in a 3-match T20I series in Rawalpindi (9–13 October 2026) under new captain Sahibzada Farhan, and the PCB has named the squad for the Hong Kong Sixes title defence starting 30 October.
Why is Babar Azam not playing against Sri Lanka?
He was dropped after scoring 91 runs in six matches at the T20 World Cup 2026. Coach Mike Hesson says he will return to the T20 squad “when required”.
When is Pakistan vs India next?
30 October 2026, 11:15am PST — in the Hong Kong Sixes at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground.
