Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Announced | Full Team List

 Pakistan announce 15-member squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Check full team list, captain, key players, omissions, FAQs and analysis.

Pakistan Announces 15-Member T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Full List, Analysis and Insights

Pakistan has officially unveiled its 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on 7 February 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the lineup at a press conference in Lahore on 25 January 2026, with a blend of seasoned stars and exciting newcomers. 

Pakistan’s official 15-member T20 World Cup 2026 squad includes captain Salman Ali Agha, batting mainstays Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, strike bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, and promising talents Khawaja Mohammad Nafay and Sahibzada Farhan. Haris Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan were notably omitted from the squad. 

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Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad – Full List

Pakistan Cricket Board — Official Squad (15 Players): 

1. Salman Ali Agha (captain)

2. Abrar Ahmed

3. Babar Azam

4. Faheem Ashraf

5. Fakhar Zaman

6. Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk)

7. Mohammad Nawaz

8. Mohammad Salman Mirza

9. Naseem Shah

10. Sahibzada Farhan (wk)

11. Saim Ayub

12. Shaheen Shah Afridi

13. Shadab Khan

14. Usman Khan (wk)

15. Usman Tariq

Notable Omissions

• Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s leading express pacer in recent years, was left out of the squad. 

• Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper-batter and long-term T20 regular, did not make the cut. 

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Squad Selection Highlights

Leadership and Experience

• Salman Ali Agha earns the captaincy role as Pakistan prepares for its T20 World Cup challenge. 

• Babar Azam, one of Pakistan’s most consistent T20 performers, returns to lead the batting lineup. 

• Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah anchor the pace attack with proven match-winning ability. 

Emerging Talent

• Several players — including Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Tariq — receive their first major tournament call-ups. 

• The selection reflects a strategic balance of youth and experience, particularly in batting and pace bowling.

Team Balance and Versatility

• All-round depth adds flexibility, with players like Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz offering batting and bowling options. 

• Middle overs spin and death bowling options remain crucial to Pakistan’s tactical setup.

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Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group and Fixtures

Pakistan has been placed in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia. Their group stage matches include: 

• February 7, Colombo – vs Netherlands

• February 10, Colombo – vs USA

• February 15, Colombo – vs India

• February 18, Colombo – vs Namibia

The top teams will advance to the Super Eight stage, moving Pakistan closer to a potential semi-final and final berth by early March. 

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Key Storylines

• Haris Rauf’s exclusion has sparked discussion among fans and pundits, particularly given his T20I track record. 

• Pakistan’s participation had momentarily appeared uncertain amid broader T20 World Cup controversies — including disputes over team movements related to Bangladesh and tournament venues — but the squad announcement signals official intent to compete. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Who is the captain of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad?
A: Salman Ali Agha has been named captain of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 team. 

Q2. Which key players were omitted from the squad?
A: Notable absentees include Haris Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan. 

Q3. How many debutants are in Pakistan’s World Cup squad?
A: Several players, such as Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Tariq, are set for their first major ICC tournament appearance. (Pakistan Cricket Board)

Q4. When and where does Pakistan start its T20 World Cup campaign?
A: Pakistan begins its campaign on 7 February 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, against the Netherlands. (

Q5. What are Pakistan’s group opponents?
A: Pakistan is in Group A with India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia. 

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Closing Summary

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad reflects strategic selection aimed at blending experience with rising talent. With key performers returning and fresh faces added to the lineup, Pakistan enters the tournament with a competitive squad ready to challenge for cricket’s most prestigious T20 title.