Pakistan’s cricket selectors have dropped a bombshell with their T20 World Cup 2026 squad announcement. Captained by Salman Ali Agha, the team retains Babar Azam despite a string of underwhelming BBL performances that also saw Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf sidelined.
This move follows PCB’s dramatic stance on Bangladesh’s inclusion, yet they pressed ahead with squad selection. Wicketkeeping duties shift to Khwaja Mohammad Nafi, with Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Khan as backups—Farhan’s domestic prowess making him a likely choice.
Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz offer all-round utility, backed by Faheem Ashraf’s seam-bowling skills. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah take charge of the bowling, compensating for Rauf’s omission.
Grouped with India, Netherlands, USA, and Namibia in Group A, Pakistan’s campaign starts February 7 versus Netherlands in Colombo, followed by USA (Feb 10), India (Feb 15), and Namibia (Feb 18). The India-hosted leg adds extra intensity.
Squad list: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khwaja Mohammad Nafi (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
Critics question the logic behind retaining Babar while axing others, but PCB backs its strategy for a fresh start. The road to glory begins soon—will this gamble pay off?
