Pakistan has officially submitted its preliminary squad for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Tuesday. The announcement comes as the team gears up for a crucial series against Sri Lanka ahead of the global tournament.
Key Players in the Squad
The 15-member preliminary squad includes some of Pakistan’s top stars, such as captain Babar Azam, pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi, and fast bowler Haris Rauf. These players are expected to form the backbone of the team at the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting February 7, 2026.
Alongside these marquee players, the squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, reflecting Pakistan’s strategy to balance proven performers with young prospects. The final squad for the World Cup will be determined after observing player form during the upcoming Sri Lanka tour and a subsequent series against Australia.
Reserve Players and Squad Flexibility
In addition to the main squad, PCB has also submitted the names of reserve players. This allows the team management to make adjustments in case of injuries or loss of form. According to PCB sources, changes to the preliminary squad can be made freely until January 31, 2026. After this deadline, any alterations will require approval from the ICC Technical Committee.
The inclusion of reserve players provides Pakistan with flexibility, particularly as selectors plan to monitor the performance of one or two players during the Sri Lanka tour. This assessment will influence the final selection for both the T20 World Cup and the subsequent series against Australia.
Tour of Sri Lanka
Pakistan’s touring squad for Sri Lanka features the following players: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Muhammad Naveed, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saem Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, and Usman Tariq.
The tour will serve as a key platform for selectors to evaluate players under international conditions. It also provides the squad an opportunity to build match practice ahead of the T20 World Cup.
T20 World Cup 2026: Venue and Schedule
The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, with India and Sri Lanka jointly hosting the tournament. Pakistan’s matches will all be played in Sri Lanka, including potential semi-finals and the final, should the team progress that far.
This edition of the T20 World Cup will see Pakistan competing against top cricketing nations in high-pressure conditions. Analysts predict that Pakistan’s combination of experienced players and young fast bowlers could make them strong contenders, particularly in the Sri Lankan conditions known for spin-friendly pitches.
Looking Ahead
The PCB has emphasized that the final squad announcement will be based on recent player performances and fitness levels. With the preliminary squad now submitted, the focus shifts to on-field performance during the Sri Lanka series.
Fans and cricket analysts alike will be closely watching Babar Azam’s leadership, Shaheen Afridi’s pace attack, and the contributions of emerging stars like Haris Rauf. Pakistan will aim to combine strategy, depth, and consistency to challenge for the T20 World Cup trophy in 2026.
