Pakistan has announced its 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, confirming its participation after earlier uncertainty over a possible boycott. The announcement was made at a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium by High Performance Director Aqib Javed, Captain Salman Ali Agha and White Ball Coach Michael James Hesson. The move reverses previous statements by board chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who had indicated a potential withdrawal following Bangladesh’s refusal to participate due to “security concerns”.
The selection committee opted for continuity, retaining the same group of players who will face Australia in a T20 series at home starting January 29 in Lahore. Middle pacer Mohammad Wasim junior is the only omission for the Australia series, with the selectors favoring a mix of experience and debutants for the World Cup.
T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan’s full squad
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Babar Azam
- Fahim 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
The team includes two specialist spinners, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq, the latter known as a mystery spinner with limited international exposure. Spin all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub add depth, while young batsman Khawaja Nafay, who has just one T20 International appearance, is also included.
Six players – Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Tariq – earned their first caps for a major ICC event. Meanwhile, established names such as Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and Usman Khan provide tournament experience.
Pakistan are placed in Group A and will open their campaign against Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo. All of Pakistan’s group matches will be hosted in Sri Lanka, as per a tripartite agreement reached last year between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The agreement ensures that all India-Pakistan matches until 2027 will be played at neutral venues, reflecting ongoing security and logistical considerations. The PCB’s decision to participate follows a period of uncertainty after changes to the tournament lineup and the relocation of group stage matches.
