The PCB has made headlines by naming Salman Ali Agha as T20 World Cup 2026 captain in a squad that snubs Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf, even as Babar Azam survives recent BBL struggles to stay in the mix.
Timed just after PCB’s Bangladesh solidarity threat, the 15-player roster emphasizes balance. Dual wicketkeepers Khwaja Nafi and Sahibzada Farhan join Usman Khan, with Farhan’s T20 domestic record standing out. All-rounders like Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, and Faheem Ashraf provide versatility.
Pace relies on stars Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah to fill Rauf’s shoes. Openers and middle-order firepower come from Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Babar.
In Group A with heavyweights India, plus Netherlands, USA, and Namibia, Pakistan plays all group games in Colombo: Netherlands (Feb 7), USA (Feb 10), India (Feb 15), Namibia (Feb 18). Jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7.
Complete team: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khwaja Mohammad Nafi (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
As debates rage over the exclusions, this squad represents PCB’s vision for redemption. Pakistan fans will watch closely as their team navigates a tough group.