Pakistan Submits 2026 T20 World Cup Squad to ICC

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted a preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup to the International Cricket Council (ICC), with several big names included, but at least one major omission for now.

According to details, the provisional list features Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf among the leading stars.

Also named are Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmad, and Usman Tariq.

The final World Cup squad will be announced after the Pakistan–Sri Lanka series, which concludes later this month. All cricket boards, including Pakistan, can make unrestricted changes to their squads until January 31, 2026.

After that cut-off, any alteration will require either a genuine injury or exceptional circumstance and the approval of the ICC Technical Committee.

Sources say Shaheen Shah Afridi’s place in the final squad depends on his recovery from injury. His participation in the World Cup has become uncertain, and the PCB has lined up Mohammad Waseem Jr as a like-for-like replacement if the left-arm pacer fails to regain full fitness in time.

In a surprise move, Mohammad Rizwan is not currently part of the preliminary squad. For the wicketkeeper’s role, there is a direct contest between Khawaja Nafay and Usman Khan, with team management closely monitoring their form and fitness.

Another name in the frame is Abdul Samad. If he produces standout performances in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, he could force his way into the final T20 World Cup lineup.

Left-arm wrist-spinner Sufyan Muqeem and young batter Hassan Nawaz are being discussed as backup players, giving the selectors extra cover in case of late injuries or form slumps.