Pakistan Unveils Balanced Squad for T20 World Cup 2026 with Major Comebacks and Omissions
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced its final 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in February. The selection committee has made some bold decisions, bringing back star batter Babar Azam while omitting fast bowler Haris Rauf and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan from the final roster.
Strategic Squad Composition with Focus on Flexibility
Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2026 squad appears meticulously balanced, showcasing a clear blend of experience and youth, complemented by substantial pace, spin, and batting depth. The selectors have prioritized flexibility, a crucial element in the dynamic and fast-paced environment of T20 cricket. This strategic approach aims to adapt to various match conditions and opposition strategies throughout the tournament.
Babar Azam's High-Profile Return to the National Fold
The most significant development is the inclusion of Babar Azam, marking his return to the Pakistan team for an ICC event after missing the Asia Cup 2025. His exclusion from the Asia Cup had created major headlines, with selectors previously expressing concerns about his strike rate and consistency in the shortest format. Babar, who was playing for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) and missed the recent T20I series against Sri Lanka, was recalled following the Asia Cup. He participated in the home series against South Africa and is set to feature in the upcoming T20 series against Australia, commencing on January 29 in Lahore.
Despite having scored three centuries in T20 cricket and accumulating 4,429 runs in 136 matches, discussions about his inconsistency in this format persist. Although he previously captained the side, Babar returns purely as a senior batter, with the leadership duties now entrusted to Salman Ali Agha.
Captaincy and Batting Leadership
Salman Ali Agha will lead the side as captain, a role he also held during the Asia Cup 2025. Described as a calm all-rounder, he is expected to bat in the middle order and contribute with useful overs of bowling. At the top of the order, Babar Azam remains the batting pillar, tasked with anchoring innings and mentoring younger players. He will be supported by aggressive openers like Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, who are capable of providing rapid starts.
Comprehensive All-Round and Bowling Strength
The all-round department looks robust with Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, and Faheem Ashraf offering valuable balance with both bat and ball, particularly effective on slower pitches. The bowling attack is notably pace-heavy and threatening, spearheaded by the returning Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. Shaheen, who missed the series against Sri Lanka due to a knee injury sustained during the BBL, brings experience with 126 wickets in 96 matches. Naseem Shah, whose exclusion from the Asia Cup 2025 raised eyebrows, also makes a comeback. The spin department is bolstered by Abrar Ahmed, who adds mystery spin, with support from Mohammad Salman Mirza and Usman Tariq.
Wicketkeeping and Batting Options
Behind the stumps, Pakistan has opted for multiple wicketkeeping choices, including Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, and Khawaja Mohammad Nafay. This selection provides flexibility in both wicketkeeping duties and batting lineup configurations, allowing the team management to tailor the playing XI based on match conditions.
Controversial Omission of Haris Rauf
The exclusion of Haris Rauf is a major talking point. During the Asia Cup 2025, his provocative gestures toward Indian fans and players resulted in an ICC suspension and fines. Despite being the joint third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 9 wickets in 5 matches, including a crucial 3/22 against Sri Lanka that helped Pakistan reach the final, his performance against India was underwhelming. He conceded 50 runs in 3.4 overs in the final, leading to his subsequent omission from the team post-tournament.
Tournament Schedule and Key Fixtures
Pakistan will commence its T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo. The highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India is scheduled for February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium. The squad allows for changes until January 31, providing a window for any last-minute adjustments based on form or fitness.
Final Squad List for T20 World Cup 2026
The complete Pakistan squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 is as follows:
- 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
This squad announcement sets the stage for Pakistan's quest in the T20 World Cup 2026, blending experienced campaigners with emerging talents in a bid to lift the coveted trophy.
