Pakistan have announced their 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, a day after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi triggered controversy with remarks hinting at a possible boycott of the tournament.
Naqvi had earlier criticised the ICC for removing Bangladesh from the competition after they refused to travel to India, citing security concerns. However, security reviews conducted by both internal and independent experts appointed by the ICC reportedly found no credible or verifiable threat to the Bangladesh team, officials or supporters in India. With Bangladesh unwilling to reconsider their stance, the ICC replaced them with Scotland.
Following the decision, Naqvi publicly backed Bangladesh and stated that Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup would depend on a decision taken by the country’s government. However, just a day after those comments, the PCB unveiled Pakistan’s squad, effectively putting an end to speculation over a potential withdrawal.
The squad announcement also brought notable exclusions. Senior players Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf have been left out of the team. Rizwan has not featured in Pakistan’s T20I setup for over a year, having last played the format in 2024. Fast bowler Haris Rauf, meanwhile, misses out following a disappointing outing in the Asia Cup 2025 final.
Veteran batter Babar Azam has retained his place despite a lean run in the recently concluded Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26 in Australia.
Pakistan will be led by Salman Ali Agha and are placed in Group A alongside India, Netherlands, USA and Namibia. The team will open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.
As part of their build-up to the World Cup, Pakistan are scheduled to host Australia for a three-match T20I series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 29, 31 and February 1, with preparations beginning on January 25.
Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
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.