Pakistan continues T20 World Cup 2026 Drama, failed to announce team despite giving list to…
Pakistan have submitted their 15-member probable squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup to the International Cricket Council (ICC), but the list has not yet been made public, according to a reliable source in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The ICC had asked all participating teams to submit their provisional squads by January 1, and the PCB completed the process within the stipulated deadline. While fans are still waiting for an official announcement, sources indicate that the selectors have already locked in most of the names.
Window Open for Changes Till January 31
As per ICC rules, teams are allowed to make changes to their provisional squads until January 31. After that date, any modification will require approval from the ICC’s tournament technical committee.
This gives Pakistan selectors some flexibility, especially with a few players currently recovering from injuries. The final squad will depend on player fitness and performances in upcoming international matches.
Big Names Included, Injury Concerns Remain
According to sources, the probable squad includes former captain Babar Azam, star all-rounder Shadab Khan, and injured fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Shadab Khan has been out of international cricket since May last year due to a shoulder injury. However, he recently returned to competitive cricket in the Big Bash League, raising hopes of a full comeback. He has also been named in Pakistan’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, starting January 7.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s selection, meanwhile, will depend on his recovery from a knee injury sustained during the Big Bash League last month. His fitness will be closely monitored before the final squad is confirmed.
Haris Rauf Misses Out
In a surprise move, fast bowler Haris Rauf has reportedly not been included in the provisional squad. The decision has raised eyebrows, though selectors are believed to be prioritising fitness and recent form.
Players Likely in the Probable Squad
Apart from the senior players, the selectors have reportedly included several familiar and emerging names. The list features spinners Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed, all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz, and batters Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, and Usman Khan.
Fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr, along with Salman Ali Agha, are also said to be part of the provisional group.
Sources suggest that most players selected for the upcoming Sri Lanka T20I series have been given a place in the World Cup probable squad, indicating that performances in that series could play a key role in final selections.
India, England South Africa: Most of The Teams Already Announced Their T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
With the T20 World Cup approaching, most participating nations have already announced their squads. Pakistan’s official announcement is now eagerly awaited as fans look for clarity on the final combination.
The PCB is expected to make the squad public in the coming weeks, once fitness updates and team balance are finalised.