The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the 15-player squad set to represent Pakistan at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will commence on February 7. The tournament’s matches involving Pakistan will be held in Sri Lanka under the ‘Fusion Formula’ arrangement.
Key Squad Announcements
Among the notable exclusions is fast bowler Haris Rauf, who last played for Pakistan in the T20 format in September 2025. Another significant omission is wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, who has been absent from the national T20 squad since December 2024 and will miss his first T20 World Cup after participating in the previous three editions.
Making their debut in a major ICC event are captain Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Salman Mirza, and Usman Tariq. The squad also includes experienced players such as Babar Azam, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Usman Khan.
Selection Insights
The squad was announced at a press conference held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, featuring PCB Director of High Performance Aqib Javed, T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, and head coach Michael Hesson.
Regarding Haris Rauf’s exclusion, Aqib Javed noted that while Rauf has contributed significantly over time, recent team combinations and the conditions expected in Sri Lanka influenced the decision. On Babar Azam’s inclusion, Javed emphasized his consistency and the specific role he plays in challenging match situations.
Head coach Michael Hesson explained Rizwan’s omission by highlighting the team’s search for a wicketkeeper who can bat in the middle or lower-middle order, a role Rizwan’s top-order batting style does not fit. Hesson also praised Usman Khan’s wicketkeeping and overall performance since his return to the team.
Pakistan’s Tournament Schedule
Pakistan will begin their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo. They are grouped in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands, and Namibia. Other group matches include facing the USA on February 10, India on February 15, and Namibia on February 18.
If Pakistan advances to the semi-finals and final, these knockout matches will be held in Colombo. Otherwise, the semi-finals and final will take place in Kolkata and Ahmedabad, respectively.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
- Salman Ali Agha (captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Babar Azam
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicketkeeper)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Salman Mirza
- Naseem Shah
- Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper)
- Saim Ayub
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Shadab Khan
- Usman Khan (wicketkeeper)
- Usman Tariq
