The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced a 15-member Pakistan squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, signaling on-field readiness amid ongoing uncertainty over the team’s final participation in the mega event.
The squad was unveiled during a press conference in Lahore, attended by senior cricket officials Aaqib Javed, Mike Hesson, and Salman Ali Agha, who provided a detailed briefing on team selection, balance, and strategy for the global tournament.
Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
According to the PCB announcement, Salman Ali Agha will lead the side as captain. The squad reflects a blend of experienced stars and emerging talent to ensure competitiveness at the highest level.
Also Read: ICC releases revised schedule of T20 World Cup 2026
Selected players include:
Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Sahibzada Farhan, Khawaja Muhammad Nafi, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq, and captain Salman Ali Agha.
Selectors emphasized that the squad offers a balanced mix of pace, spin, and batting depth, designed to deliver strong performances against top international sides.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8, with Pakistan set to open its campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, subject to final clearance.
Cricket analysts believe Pakistan’s fast-bowling firepower and all-round options give the team a strong edge, particularly in high-pressure matches. Captain Salman Ali Agha said the players are fully fit and determined to give their best in every game.
Government to Decide Pakistan’s Participation
Despite the squad announcement, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi made it clear that Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 will be decided by the Government of Pakistan, not the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Naqvi stated that the PCB operates under government authority and will strictly follow state directives on national interest matters.
“PCB is answerable to the government, not the ICC. The final decision will come from the government,” he said.
Naqvi added that formal consultations will take place once Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns to Pakistan, after which a clear stance and future strategy will be announced. Until then, Pakistan’s participation remains uncertain, fueling speculation in the cricketing world.
Also Read: Bangladesh hints at Shakib Al Hasan’s return amid cricket turmoil
PCB Backs Bangladesh, Calls for Equal Treatment
Commenting on the ongoing controversy involving Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup status, Naqvi termed the situation “unjust” and said Bangladesh should be included in the tournament.
“No single country should be allowed to dictate terms to others,” he said, urging the ICC to ensure equal and fair treatment for all member nations.
The PCB chairman also noted that multiple contingency plans are in place and that the board is prepared for all possible outcomes once the government decision is finalized.
Meanwhile, Naqvi highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade stadiums and cricket infrastructure with Punjab government support to provide world-class facilities for players and fans.
With the World Cup drawing closer and political consultations still pending, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 journey remains under intense global focus.
