Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Full Player List, Schedule, and Analysis
As the cricketing world gears up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally broken the silence. With the January 1st ICC deadline passed, Pakistan has submitted a provisional 15-member squad, sparking intense debate among fans and analysts.
From the surprising captaincy of Salman Ali Agha to the shock omission of Mohammad Rizwan, here is everything you need to know about the Pakistan team for the 2026 mega-event.
Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: The Provisional 15
The PCB has officially handed its preliminary list to the ICC. While the board has until January 31, 2026, to make unrestricted changes, the current core suggests a major shift in Pakistan’s T20 strategy.
The Official Preliminary Player List
- 🏏 Captain: Salman Ali Agha
- 🏏 Top Order: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman
- 🏏 Wicketkeepers: Usman Khan, Khawaja Nafay
- 🏏 All-rounders: Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz
- 🏏 Fast Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi (subject to fitness), Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza
- 🏏 Spinners: Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq (Mystery Spinner)
Key Omissions & Injuries:
- 🏏 Mohammad Rizwan: In a move that has stunned many, the veteran keeper is currently not in the provisional squad.
- 🏏 Haris Rauf: Reports are conflicting; while some lists include him, others suggest he may be a reserve due to recent form and BBL commitments.
- 🏏 Shaheen Afridi: His participation depends on a knee injury recovery sustained during the Big Bash League.
Selection Drama: Captaincy and "The Rizwan Factor"
The most significant change in the pakistan cricket team players list is the leadership. Salman Ali Agha has been confirmed as the captain for the 2026 campaign. Under his leadership, Pakistan recently secured series wins against South Africa and Sri Lanka, prompting the selectors to stick with his "winning formula."
"We have played with this group for six months, and the results have started to come," Salman Ali Agha stated. "Winning the 2026 T20 World Cup is the dream."
The Mohammad Rizwan omission news remains the top trending topic. After being sidelined from the T20I format for nearly a year, his absence suggests the PCB is moving toward a higher strike-rate philosophy with younger prospects like Khawaja Nafay and Usman Khan.
Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule & Fixtures
Pakistan has been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, the USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. Due to security considerations, Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka, including the knockout stages if they qualify.
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (PKT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 7, 2026 | Pakistan vs Netherlands | SSC, Colombo | 11:00 AM |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Pakistan vs USA | SSC, Colombo | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 15, 2026 | Pakistan vs India | R. Premadasa, Colombo | 7:00 PM |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Pakistan vs Namibia | SSC, Colombo | 7:00 PM |
The Pakistan vs India 2026 date (February 15) is already the most searched fixture of the tournament, with tickets at the R. Premadasa Stadium expected to sell out in record time.
Tactical Analysis: The "Mystery" Factor
Pakistan is banking on variety for the Sri Lankan tracks. The inclusion of Usman Tariq, a mystery spinner, and the return of Shadab Khan from shoulder surgery provide a dual-leg-spin attack. If Shaheen Afridi fails his fitness test, Mohammad Wasim Jr is slated as his direct replacement to lead the pace battery alongside Naseem Shah.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Salman Ali Agha is the official captain of the Pakistan T20I team for the 2026 World Cup.
The PCB has submitted a provisional 15-member squad. The final announcement will occur after the Sri Lanka series in late January.
Rizwan has been omitted from the preliminary list as selectors favor younger, more aggressive options like Usman Khan for the wicketkeeper role.
The high-voltage clash is scheduled for February 15, 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
All of Pakistan’s matches, including the group stage and potential knockouts, will be held in Sri Lanka (Colombo and Kandy).
Yes, Babar Azam is included in the provisional squad and remains a pillar of the batting lineup.
Haris Rauf's inclusion is currently under review due to recent performance levels and his late return from the Big Bash League.
Shaheen is currently recovering from a knee injury. His final selection depends on a medical clearance before January 31.
Usman Tariq has been named as the mystery spinner to exploit the spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka.
Yes, teams can make unrestricted changes until January 31, 2026. After that, ICC Technical Committee approval is required for injury replacements.
Names like Sufyan Muqeem and Hassan Nawaz are currently being discussed as part of the reserve travel group.
Pakistan is in Group A with India, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia.
The tournament begins on February 7, 2026, with Pakistan facing the Netherlands on the opening day.
Yes, Shadab Khan has returned from shoulder surgery and is part of the provisional 15.
Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan are the leading candidates to open, with Babar Azam likely slotted at number three.
Due to security concerns and the lack of bilateral travel between India and Pakistan, the ICC scheduled all Pakistan matches in Sri Lanka.
The battle for the gloves is between Usman Khan and the uncapped Khawaja Nafay.
If both teams qualify for the final, the match will be played in either Colombo or Ahmedabad, depending on the ICC's logistical finalization for Pakistan.
The 2026 edition features 20 teams for the first time.
Tickets are available via the official ICC website and platforms like BookMyShow, with prices for the India-Pakistan clash starting at approx. LKR 1500.
Would you like me to monitor the upcoming Sri Lanka series and update you as soon as the final squad is officially ratified?
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