Pakistan Announce 15-Player Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Pakistan have officially unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, ending weeks of speculation around team selection and participation. The announcement was made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ahead of the global tournament, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka and is scheduled to begin on 7 February 2026. The squad reflects a blend of experience and fresh talent, with several familiar faces returning alongside players set to feature in their first T20 World Cup. Salman Ali Agha has been named captain, marking a significant leadership decision as Pakistan look to rebuild and re-energize their T20 setup.
1/25/20261 min read
Experience Meets New Energy
Veteran stars such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan provide a strong core of international experience. Their presence ensures stability and match-winning ability, particularly in high-pressure tournament conditions.
At the same time, the selectors have shown confidence in emerging players, handing World Cup debuts to several names including Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Salman Mirza, and Usman Tariq. The inclusion of multiple wicketkeeping options also gives the team tactical flexibility.
Notable Omissions
One of the biggest talking points from the announcement is the absence of Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf, both of whom have been regular features in Pakistan’s recent T20 plans. Their exclusion signals a shift in strategy as the team management looks ahead to the future.
Pakistan’s 15-Member T20 World Cup 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
Tournament Outlook
Pakistan will open their T20 World Cup campaign against the Netherlands in Colombo and will compete in Group A, which also includes India, USA, and Namibia. With a refreshed squad and a new leadership approach, Pakistan will be aiming to make a strong impact and challenge for the title.
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