LAHORE: Pakistan have named their 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with fast bowler Haris Rauf left out as selectors opted for a combination suited to conditions in Sri Lanka. The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 7.
The squad announcement was made at a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, addressed by PCB Director of High Performance and national selection committee member Aqib Javed, T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, and white-ball head coach Michael Hesson.
Rauf, who last played a T20I for Pakistan in September, failed to secure a spot despite featuring in overseas leagues. Explaining the decision, Aqib Javed said the pacer had served the national side for several years but recent team selections required a different balance.
“We are playing all our matches in Sri Lanka, and the squad has been finalised keeping those conditions in mind,” he stated.
Several players, including captain Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Nafay, Salman Mirza and Usman Tariq, have earned their first-ever T20 World Cup call-ups. Meanwhile, experienced campaigners such as Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and Usman Khan return after featuring in previous editions since 2021.
Notably absent is Mohammad Rizwan, who will miss his first T20 World Cup after appearances in the 2021, 2022 and 2024 tournaments. Coach Michael Hesson explained that the team management is seeking a wicketkeeper capable of batting in the middle or lower-middle order.
“Rizwan is a specialist top-order batter, and there isn’t a role for a wicketkeeper in that position,” Hesson said.
Aqib Javed also defended Babar Azam’s inclusion, describing him as Pakistan’s most consistent batter with a clearly defined role.
“In the Asia Cup, we realised the need for a player who could handle pressure situations, particularly in Sri Lankan conditions,” he added.
Hesson praised Usman Khan’s recent performances, calling them outstanding since his return to the side. He also highlighted the improvement in his wicketkeeping, particularly during matches in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan, champions of the inaugural 2009 edition, will play all their matches in Sri Lanka under the ICC’s ‘Fusion Formula’, which ensures Pakistan and India compete at neutral venues for ICC events over a three-year period. If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals or final, those matches will be held in Colombo; otherwise, the knockouts will take place in Kolkata and Ahmedabad.
The Green Shirts will open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo. They have been drawn in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia. Pakistan will face the USA on February 10, India on February 15, and Namibia on February 18.
The Super Eight stage will run from February 21 to March 1, followed by semi-finals on March 3 and March 5. The final is scheduled for March 8 in either Ahmedabad or Colombo.
Pakistan squad:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.
