Pakistan players (Source:X)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce Pakistan’s final squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in the coming days, as the deadline to submit the final list approaches quickly.
The Men in Green remain one of the major cricketing nations to officially name its squad for the mega event, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
When will Pakistan announce their T20 World Cup squad?
The ICC has set January 31 as the final date for all participating teams to submit their 15-member squads without requiring special approval. While the PCB has already shared a preliminary list with the ICC, changes can still be made freely until the deadline.
With limited time remaining, the selection committee is believed to be finalising combinations based on form and fitness.
All eyes are currently on senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, whose inclusion remains uncertain. It is important to note that both players are currently struggling for form in the Big Bash League, raising questions over their place in the World Cup squad.
Looking at their performance, Babar Azam has played 11 innings and scored 202 runs at an average of 22.44. On the other hand, Rizwan has made 187 runs in 10 innings at an average of 18.70.
Pakistan's T20 World Cup preliminary squad submitted
Pakistan recently toured Sri Lanka, but several senior players were rested for that series. Those players are expected to return for the T20 World Cup, making the selection process even more competitive.
Reports suggest that the PCB wants to avoid last-minute experimentation and instead go with a settled group heading into the tournament.
According to sources, the probable squad includes captain Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan, and Abrar Ahmed.
Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are also under consideration, along with Salman Mirza and Khawaja Nafay.
Shaheen Shah Afridi's fitness is being closely monitored. The left-arm pacer is currently recovering from a knee injury but is expected to regain full fitness before the tournament begins. His performance and fitness status will be crucial for Pakistan's bowling attack.
Meanwhile, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Usman Tariq are likely to be named as reserve players. These reserves could play an important role in case of injuries or last-minute changes before the competition begins.
Pakistan's schedule for T20 World Cup 2026
Pakistan will begin its T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 against the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo. The Men in Green have been placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States.
The much-anticipated clash against India is scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
In preparation for the World Cup, Pakistan will host Australia for a three-match T20I series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from January 29 to February 1. This series is expected to play a vital role in final squad decisions and provide valuable match practice ahead of the global event.
With the World Cup just weeks away, the PCB is expected to announce the final squad very soon, likely before the Australia series begins.
The announcement will offer clarity on Pakistan’s strategy and give a clearer picture of the team's direction heading into one of the most important tournaments, the T20 World Cup 2026.
