The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially submitted a preliminary squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 to the International Cricket Council (ICC). This move is part of the standard World Cup process, allowing teams to prepare early while keeping room for changes. The provisional list includes top Pakistani cricketers, but it also comes with surprising exclusions that have sparked debate among fans. The final Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad will be announced after the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series, which will help selectors judge player form and fitness before making final decisions.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Squad Status | Preliminary / Provisional |
| Submitted By | Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) |
| Governing Body | International Cricket Council (ICC) |
| Final Squad Deadline | January 31, 2026 |
| Changes Allowed Till | January 31, 2026 |
| Basis of Selection | Performance, fitness, balance |
| Final Announcement | After Pakistan–Sri Lanka series |
Which Players Are Included in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad?
The Pakistan T20 World Cup squad 2026 includes a strong mix of experienced and in-form players. PCB selectors have focused on players who can perform under pressure in international tournaments.
- Babar Azam leads the batting lineup with consistency
- Shaheen Shah Afridi is included, pending full fitness
- Haris Rauf adds pace and aggression to bowling
- Other selected players include Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq
This selection shows PCB’s plan to maintain a balanced squad with strong batting, fast bowling, and spin options.
Players Under Watch Ahead of Final Squad Selection
Several players are still being closely monitored, as the final T20 World Cup squad has not yet been confirmed. Their performances in the upcoming series will be very important.
- Khawaja Nafay and Usman Khan are competing for the wicketkeeper position
- Abdul Samad could earn a place with strong performances
- Hassan Nawaz is being considered as a young batting backup
- Sufyan Muqeem, a left-arm wrist spinner, is under discussion as reserve
Selectors are looking for players who can deliver consistent performances and adapt to different match situations.
Most Informative Breakdown of Pakistan’s Squad Planning
The table below highlights the most important planning factors behind Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, giving a clear picture of how PCB is preparing.
| Planning Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Batting Core | Built around Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman |
| Pace Attack | Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, backups ready |
| Spin Options | Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed |
| All-Rounders | Faheem Ashraf, Salman Ali Agha |
| Wicketkeeping | Open competition between Nafay and Usman |
| Fitness Focus | Special attention on injured players |
| Backup Players | Young talents kept on standby |
| Selection Strategy | Form-based and flexible till deadline |
Why Is Mohammad Rizwan Missing from the Preliminary Squad?
One of the most discussed points is the absence of Mohammad Rizwan from the preliminary squad. Rizwan has been a regular part of Pakistan’s T20 team, making his exclusion surprising.
- Selectors are experimenting with new team combinations
- Emphasis is on recent form and match impact
- PCB still has the option to include him before January 31
- The decision does not fully rule him out
This shows PCB’s willingness to take bold and strategic decisions for the World Cup.
Shaheen Afridi’s Fitness and ICC Rules on Squad Changes
Although Shaheen Shah Afridi is named in the squad, his fitness remains a key concern. PCB is closely watching his recovery to avoid last-minute problems.
- His final selection depends on medical clearance
- Mohammad Waseem Jr is ready as a replacement if needed
- PCB will not take risks with injured players
- ICC allows free changes until January 31, 2026
After the deadline, any change will require injury proof or special approval from the ICC Technical Committee. Official tournament updates are available on the ICC website: https://www.icc-cricket.com
Conclusion
The submission of Pakistan’s preliminary squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 marks an important stage in the team’s preparation. With star players included, young talents under watch, fitness concerns being managed, and selection flexibility available under ICC rules, PCB is carefully building a competitive and balanced squad. The upcoming Pakistan–Sri Lanka series will be crucial in shaping the final lineup as fans eagerly wait for the official squad announcement.
FAQs:
Has Pakistan announced the final T20 World Cup 2026 squad?
No, only a preliminary squad has been submitted so far.
Can PCB still change the squad?
Yes, unlimited changes are allowed until January 31, 2026.
Why is Mohammad Rizwan not included yet?
Selectors are testing new options based on form and balance.
Who can replace Shaheen Afridi if he is unfit?
Mohammad Waseem Jr is the likely replacement.
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