The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday, January 25, 2026, officially announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. While icons Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi headline the team, the most significant news is the exclusion of former captain and veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan.
- The Leadership: Salman Ali Agha will lead the side as captain, with former captain Babar Azam returning to the squad after missing the recent tri-nation series due to BBL commitments.
- The Big Snub: Mohammad Rizwan, a mainstay of the T20 setup since 2021, has been dropped. Reports suggest head coach Michael Hesson and the selection committee favored Usman Khan and Sahibzada Farhan as more dynamic options for the wicketkeeping role.
- Shaheen’s Return: Despite a recent knee injury sustained during the Big Bash League, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been included, with the medical team optimistic about his fitness before the tournament starts.
- Haris Rauf Dropped: The express pacer has been left out following a dip in form and a lack of T20I appearances in the preceding months.
- New Faces: The squad features several maiden call-ups for a major ICC event, including Usman Tariq, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, and Mohammad Salman Mirza.
Pakistan’s 15-Member World Cup Squad
| Position | Players |
| Captain | Salman Ali Agha |
| Batters | Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Usman Khan (wk) |
| All-rounders | Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf |
| Bowlers (Pace) | Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Salman Mirza |
| Bowlers (Spin) | Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq |
T20 World Cup 2026: Group A Fixtures
Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka under the “Fusion Formula” agreement.
- Feb 7: vs Netherlands (Colombo)
- Feb 10: vs USA (Colombo)
- Feb 15: vs India (Colombo)
- Feb 18: vs Namibia (Colombo)