Colombo/Lahore, Sunday, 25 January 2026: Pakistan have officially named their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (India & Sri Lanka), confirming Salman Ali Agha as captain. The big headline is the return of Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, while Haris Rauf has been left out of the final squad despite strong recent form in franchise cricket.
Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, Netherlands, USA and Namibia, and they will play their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka, starting 7 February 2026 in Colombo.
Pakistan’s Official T20 World Cup 2026 Squad (15 Players)
Here is the complete Pakistan squad announced on 25 January 2026:
| Player | Role (Primary) |
|---|---|
| Salman Ali Agha (C) | Batting all-rounder |
| Abrar Ahmed | Spinner |
| Babar Azam | Top-order batter |
| Faheem Ashraf | All-rounder (pace) |
| Fakhar Zaman | Top-order batter |
| Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (WK) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Mohammad Nawaz | Spin all-rounder |
| Mohammad Salman Mirza | Fast bowler |
| Naseem Shah | Fast bowler |
| Sahibzada Farhan (WK) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Saim Ayub | Batter |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Fast bowler |
| Shadab Khan | Spin all-rounder |
| Usman Khan (WK) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Usman Tariq | Spinner |
What’s the Big Talking Point?
Babar, Shaheen & Naseem headline the core
Pakistan have gone with an experienced spine. Babar Azam returns to add stability and match-winning ability at the top, while Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah headline the pace unit.
Haris Rauf misses out
The most debated call is Haris Rauf’s omission. Pakistan’s selectors highlighted team combination and Sri Lanka conditions as key reasons behind the decision.
All-round depth is a big plus
Pakistan have multiple players who can contribute in both departments—Shadab, Nawaz, Faheem, and Salman Agha—giving flexibility depending on pitch and match situation.
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Pakistan in Group A: Teams & Challenge
Pakistan are slotted in Group A with:
- India
- Netherlands
- USA
- Namibia
This group has a mix of high-pressure fixtures and tricky opponents. Pakistan’s aim will be to start strong because in a short group stage, one bad day can change the table quickly.
Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Group Fixtures (Date, Venue)
Pakistan’s confirmed Group A schedule:
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan vs Netherlands | 7 Feb 2026 | Colombo |
| Pakistan vs USA | 10 Feb 2026 | Colombo |
| India vs Pakistan | 15 Feb 2026 | Colombo |
| Pakistan vs Namibia | 18 Feb 2026 | Colombo |
Pakistan’s campaign begins on Saturday, 7 February 2026, and the India vs Pakistan blockbuster is set for Sunday, 15 February 2026 in Colombo.
Tournament Format in Simple Words
- Tournament runs: 7 Feb to 8 Mar 2026
- Total teams: 20
- Each team plays 4 group matches
- Top 2 teams from each group qualify for Super 8
- Then Semi-finals and Final
Pakistan’s Final Build-Up Before the World Cup
Before the tournament begins, Pakistan are also scheduled to play a three-match T20I series vs Australia in Lahore:
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | 29 Jan 2026 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 2nd T20I | 31 Jan 2026 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| 3rd T20I | 1 Feb 2026 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
This series is a key warm-up, especially for the bowling combination and middle-order roles.
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With a settled squad, experienced match-winners, and a clear plan for Sri Lankan conditions, Pakistan enter the T20 World Cup 2026 aiming to reclaim past glory.
The return of senior players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, combined with the leadership of Salman Ali Agha and strong all-round depth, gives the team a balanced look ahead of the tournament.
How quickly this group gels in the early matches will decide Pakistan’s fate, but one thing is certain—when Pakistan step onto the field from 7 February in Colombo, they will be determined to make a deep and serious run in the World Cup.
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