Pakistan have revealed their 15-member squad for the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be collectively hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and the choice has already sparked intense debate. The return of Babar Azam brings stability and expertise to the batting order, whereas the omission of categorical pacer Haris Rauf stands out as the most important speaking level. Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan are aiming to relive their 2009 glory when the event will get underway on February 7.
Babar Azam returns to Pakistan’s T20I setup
Babar’s inclusion is a well timed increase for Pakistan as they put together for the calls for of subcontinental circumstances. Lately changing into the best run-scorer in males’s T20 internationals, Babar brings not simply runs but in addition calm management and big-match temperament. His presence permits Pakistan to anchor innings whereas youthful and extra aggressive batters play with freedom round him.
Alongside Babar, the batting unit encompasses a mix of energy and finesse in Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Khan. The selectors have clearly prioritized flexibility, making certain the lineup can adapt to each high-scoring venues and slower, spin-friendly surfaces anticipated in India and Sri Lanka.
Haris Rauf neglected, tempo assault reshaped
The absence of Rauf alerts a shift in Pakistan’s fast-bowling technique. As an alternative of outright tempo, the workforce administration has positioned its religion in management, swing and expertise. The tempo duties will largely relaxation on Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, a duo well-versed in exploiting early motion and delivering on the dying.
Supporting them are Mohammad Salman Mirza and Usman Tariq, providing selection and depth. The choice suggests Pakistan are backing consistency and health over uncooked velocity, particularly for an extended event the place managing workloads might be essential.
Additionally READ: Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi again as Pakistan publicizes T20I squad for dwelling sequence towards Australia
All-round depth presents tactical freedom
One of many strongest points of Pakistan’s squad is its all-round depth. Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz give the workforce a number of combos, permitting them to tweak the XI primarily based on opposition and circumstances. Shadab’s leg-spin and aggressive batting stay very important within the center overs, whereas Nawaz’s left-arm spin provides stability towards right-heavy lineups. This abundance of all-rounders offers captain Salman Ali Agha with tactical flexibility, significantly in strain video games the place matchups can determine outcomes.
Pakistan discover themselves in Group A alongside defending champions India, Netherlands, USA and Namibia. It’s a aggressive pool the place no recreation might be taken flippantly. The previous champions will start their marketing campaign towards the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, a fixture that would set the tone for the remainder of their journey.
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, Usman Tariq.
Additionally READ: Bangladesh formally pull out of T20 World Cup 2026; ICC publicizes substitute
