In a significant development ahead of the upcoming global cricket tournament, Pakistan has officially announced its 15-man squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The prestigious event is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, marking a historic collaboration in the cricketing world.
Pakistan's Quest for a Second T20 World Cup Title
The 2009 champions, under the leadership of captain Salman Agha, are poised to mount a formidable challenge as they seek their second T20 World Cup title. The tournament is scheduled to commence on February 7, 2026, with Pakistan aiming to replicate their past success on the international stage.
Key Players and Squad Composition
The squad features a blend of experienced veterans and promising talents. Babar Azam, fresh from becoming the highest run-scorer in Men's T20 Internationals, brings invaluable expertise to Pakistan's batting lineup. His consistent performances are expected to be a cornerstone of the team's strategy.
In the bowling department, with Haris Rauf absent, the pace responsibilities will largely fall on the shoulders of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. Their ability to deliver early breakthroughs and contain runs will be crucial in high-pressure matches.
Pakistan also boasts considerable depth in all-rounders, with Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz offering versatility across batting, bowling, and fielding. This balanced composition enhances the team's adaptability in various match situations.
Group Stage Draw and Fixtures
Pakistan has been drawn in Group A, where they will face co-hosts and defending champions India, along with the Netherlands, USA, and Namibia. This group presents a mix of traditional rivals and emerging cricketing nations, setting the stage for exciting contests.
The team will open their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7, followed by matches against the USA on February 10, India on February 15, and Namibia on February 18, all hosted in Colombo. These fixtures are critical for Pakistan's progression to the knockout stages.
Full Squad List
The announced Pakistan squad includes:
- Salman Ali Agha (captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Babar Azam
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicket-keeper)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Salman Mirza
- Naseem Shah
- Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper)
- Saim Ayub
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Shadab Khan
- Usman Khan
- Usman Tariq
As the cricketing world gears up for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Pakistan's squad announcement has generated considerable anticipation. With a mix of star power and strategic depth, the team is well-positioned to make a strong impact in the tournament, aiming to add another trophy to their illustrious cricketing history.
