The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially unveiled its 15-member squad for. The upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community due to the exclusion of several high-profile players. In a bold leadership change, Salman Ali Aga has been named the captain,. While veterans Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf have been sensationally dropped from the side.
High-Stakes Press Conference at Gaddafi Stadium
The squad was revealed during a high-profile press conference held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 25. The event featured PCB High Performance Director Aaqib Javed, newly appointed captain Salman Ali Aga, and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson. The selection committee emphasized a shift towards a more dynamic and balanced approach, reflecting Hesson's strategic vision for Pakistan's T20 future. The decision to overhaul the squad comes after a period of inconsistent performances in the shortest format.
Babar Azam Retained, Rizwan's Shock Exit
While former captain Babar Azam has managed to retain his spot despite recent scrutiny over his strike rate, the omission of Mohammad Rizwan is the biggest talking point. Rizwan has been a consistent performer and a pillar of the batting lineup for years. Similarly, the exclusion of express pacer Haris Rauf indicates a move away from traditional choices. To provide stability, the selectors have recalled experienced all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and. Mohammad Nawaz, hoping their versatility will be key on Sri Lankan pitches.
Six Debutants Ready for the Big Stage
The 2026 squad features a significant infusion of fresh talent, with six players set to make their T20 World Cup debuts. Alongside captain Salman Ali Aga, players like Khawaja Mohammad Nafe, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Tariq have been handed their first World Cup call-ups. This mix of youth and experience is intended to revitalize the team's energy, while before the tournament kicks off, Pakistan will test their mettle in a home T20 series against Australia, serving as a crucial warm-up.
The Road to Glory: India vs Pakistan Clash
Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign on February 7 against the Netherlands in Colombo. They will then face the USA on February 10, while however, the most anticipated fixture is the high-voltage clash against arch-rivals India on February 15 in Colombo. Their group stage journey concludes on February 18 against Namibia. Placed in Group A, Pakistan faces a challenging path to. The knockout stages, with every match being vital for their progression.
Official Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Salman Ali Aga (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Khawaja (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman. Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (WK), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (WK), and Usman Tariq.