Pakistan have officially announced their T20 World Cup squad 2026, bringing former captain Babar Azam back into the national setup despite ongoing concerns over his recent T20 form and growing uncertainty surrounding the country’s participation in the tournament. The announcement comes at a politically sensitive moment, just a day after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi cast doubt on whether the team would even travel for the global event.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on February 7, with India hosting the majority of matches. However, due to strained diplomatic relations between Islamabad and New Delhi, Pakistan are slated to play all of their matches in Sri Lanka, including knockout games should they advance beyond the group stage.
Political Uncertainty Clouds Pakistan’s World Cup Campaign
Uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s involvement intensified after the International Cricket Council (ICC) expelled Bangladesh from the tournament following their refusal to tour India, citing safety concerns. The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s stance and replaced them with Scotland, a move that sparked widespread criticism across the cricketing world.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, confirmed that the board is awaiting government clearance before finalizing participation.
“Our position is clear,” Naqvi said earlier this week. “The government will take the final decision on whether the team travels.”
Despite this uncertainty, Pakistan’s selectors moved ahead and named the squad close to the ICC deadline, signaling preparedness even as political questions remain unresolved.
Babar Azam’s Return Sparks Debate
The most talked-about decision in the Pakistan T20 World Cup squad 2026 is the return of Babar Azam, who has struggled for consistency in the shortest format over the past year. Babar recently featured in Australia’s Big Bash League, scoring 202 runs at a strike rate of just 103.06 in 11 matches for the Sydney Sixers — numbers that raised concerns among critics and fans alike.
Head coach Mike Hesson addressed the decision, clarifying that Babar is not expected to open the innings.
“We don’t see him opening the batting,” Hesson said. “Powerplay intent is crucial in T20 cricket, and that’s why we’ve used other options at the top.”
Hesson added that Babar’s experience and ability to control the middle overs could be vital on slow Sri Lankan pitches, especially while chasing modest totals.
“He can anchor an innings, rotate strike, and guide chases when conditions demand control rather than brute force,” Hesson explained.
Leadership and Squad Composition
The squad will be led by Salman Ali Agha, marking a new leadership phase for Pakistan in T20 cricket. The selectors opted for a balanced squad with a heavy emphasis on bowling depth, particularly spin — a tactical choice influenced by Sri Lankan conditions.
Key returns alongside Babar include:
- Shadab Khan (spin-bowling all-rounder)
- Naseem Shah (fast bowler)
Notably absent from the squad is Mohammad Rizwan, a surprise omission given his previous importance in Pakistan’s T20 setup. Fast bowler Haris Rauf has also been dropped, continuing his absence since the Asia Cup last September.
Chief selector Aaqib Javed emphasized that selection decisions were made independently of political considerations.
“Our job is to select the best possible team,” Javed said. “Participation decisions rest with the government.”
Bowling Strategy and Spin Emphasis
Pakistan’s bowling attack reflects a clear strategic direction. With Sri Lankan pitches traditionally assisting spin, selectors included four specialist spinners:
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Shadab Khan
- Abrar Ahmed
- Usman Tariq
The pace department will be spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Salman Mirza, a trio chosen for their ability to operate effectively across powerplay, middle overs, and death overs.
Hesson explained that versatility and adaptability were key factors in finalizing the bowling unit.
Group Stage Fixtures and Tournament Outlook
Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by group matches against:
- United States – February 10
- India – February 15
- Namibia – February 18
The high-profile clash against India remains one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, even though it will take place on neutral soil in Sri Lanka.
If Pakistan progress beyond the group stage, all playoff matches will also be played in Sri Lanka, further reinforcing the importance of spin-heavy combinations and disciplined middle-over batting.
Full Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad 2026
- Salman Ali Agha (captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Babar Azam
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Salman Mirza
- Naseem Shah
- Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper)
- Saim Ayub
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Shadab Khan
- Usman Khan (wicketkeeper)
- Usman Tariq
High Stakes On and Off the Field
As cricket fans debate selections and form, Pakistan’s World Cup journey hinges on decisions far beyond the boundary rope. Government approval, ICC politics, and regional tensions have converged to create one of the most uncertain World Cup campaigns in Pakistan’s cricketing history.
Still, with experienced names returning and a squad tailored for subcontinental conditions, Pakistan appear determined to compete — if given the green light.
This report is part of FFRNEWS Sports coverage, tracking major international cricket developments. Match details, squad announcements, and official statements are based on reporting by Al Jazeera, which first broke the story.
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