Pakistan have taken an early step towards the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after the Pakistan Cricket Board formally submitted its preliminary squad to the International Cricket Council. The early submission underlines the team management’s intent to give clarity to players well ahead of the global tournament.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with the competition scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan are set to play the entirety of their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka, a factor that could influence squad balance and tactical planning.
Pakistan Placed in Competitive Group A
Pakistan have been drawn into Group A alongside traditional rivals India, as well as the Netherlands, Namibia, and the United States. With contrasting playing styles across the group, consistency and adaptability are expected to play a decisive role in determining qualification.
According to team sources, the selection panel has leaned towards experience mixed with emerging options, aiming to strike a balance between stability and flexibility as conditions in Sri Lanka often reward disciplined bowling and smart batting approaches.
Key Selection Highlights
Senior batter Babar Azam has been retained following encouraging performances in recent international assignments, reaffirming his place as a central figure in Pakistan’s T20 plans. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has also been included despite recovering from a recent injury that kept him out of the Big Bash League.
All-rounder Shadab Khan continues to be backed for his dual role with bat and ball, while wicketkeeper Usman Khan has been named as the primary gloveman in the provisional group. Notably, Mohammad Rizwan has been left out of this preliminary list, a decision that has sparked discussion among followers of the team.
Pakistan Provisional Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Salman Ali Agha (C) | All-rounder |
| Abrar Ahmed | Spin Bowler |
| Faheem Ashraf | All-rounder |
| Fakhar Zaman | Batter |
| Haris Rauf | Fast Bowler |
| Babar Azam | Batter |
| Mohammad Wasim Jr | Fast Bowler |
| Naseem Shah | Fast Bowler |
| Abdul Samad | Batter |
| Usman Khan (WK) | Wicketkeeper |
| Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder |
| Shadab Khan | All-rounder |
| Sahibzada Farhan | Batter |
| Saim Ayub | Batter |
| Salman Mirza | Fast Bowler |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Fast Bowler |
Pakistan Group-Stage Matches at T20 World Cup 2026
Pakistan’s group-stage fixtures will all be played in Sri Lanka, offering relatively consistent conditions throughout the opening phase of the tournament.
| Match | Date | Opponent | Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Match 1 | February 7, 2026 | Netherlands | 11:00 AM |
| Group Match 2 | February 10, 2026 | United States | 7:00 PM |
| Group Match 3 | February 15, 2026 | India | 7:00 PM |
| Group Match 4 | February 18, 2026 | Namibia | 7:00 PM |
Focus on Stability and Match Readiness
With the tournament still weeks away, the provisional nature of the squad allows selectors room for adjustments based on form, fitness, and conditions. However, submitting an early list gives players a clear indication of where they stand and allows the team to fine-tune combinations ahead of a demanding schedule.
Pakistan will be aiming to build momentum through the group stage and secure a place in the Super 8s, where adaptability and squad depth are expected to be tested further.
What Lies Ahead
As preparations continue, attention will turn towards final squad confirmation and warm-up fixtures. For Pakistan, the challenge will be to translate early planning into consistent performances on the field, particularly in high-pressure matches against top opposition.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 promises a competitive landscape, and Pakistan’s early squad submission suggests a clear intent to approach the tournament with focus and structure.
