title:Pakistan Squad Finalized for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with Major Changes
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has finalized its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICCMen’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka fromFebruary 7 to March 8, sources confirmed on Wednesday. The selectioncommittee, following extensive deliberations, locked in the team amidongoing discussions on form, fitness, and strategic fit for sub-continentalconditions. Former captain Babar Azam secures a spot despite recentuncertainties, while star wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and explosivepacer Haris Rauf face notable exclusions, sparking widespread debate amongfans and analysts. This combination aims to blend experience with emergingtalent as Pakistan seeks to reclaim T20 glory.
The batting core receives a significant boost with the inclusion of BabarAzam, whose technical prowess and consistency in high-pressure scenariosremain invaluable. Salman Ali Agha, the current T20 captain, leads theside, supported by aggressive openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub,alongside power-hitter Fakhar Zaman. Khawaja Nafay earns a maiden World Cupcall-up, adding depth to the middle order with his promising domesticperformances and ability to anchor innings under pressure.
All-round options provide balance, featuring Shadab Khan’s leg-spin andbatting contributions, complemented by Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz.These players offer flexibility in varying conditions, allowing the team toadapt to spin-friendly pitches expected in parts of the tournament. AbrarAhmed shoulders primary spin duties, with his variations expected tochallenge opposition batters in the middle overs.
The pace attack stands as a major strength, spearheaded by Shaheen ShahAfridi and Naseem Shah, both certain starters due to their provenwicket-taking abilities and swing bowling prowess. Usman Khan adds seammovement, while Usman Tariq and Salman Mirza provide additional depth andoptions for death overs. This quartet is designed to exploit early movementand maintain pressure throughout the innings.
Reserves include Waseem Junior, Abdul Samad, and Hasan Ali, who remain onstandby for potential injuries or form-related adjustments before thetournament commences. These players offer cover across batting, bowling,and all-round roles, ensuring the squad remains adaptable to last-minutechanges mandated by ICC regulations.
Sources indicate the squad reflects a shift toward current form andlong-term planning under head coach Mike Hesson, prioritizing consistencyover past reputations in certain cases. The omissions of Rizwan and Rauf,despite their historical contributions, stem from recent performances andstrategic preferences for alternative combinations that better suitevolving T20 demands.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is poised to make an official announcementshortly, following submission of a provisional list to the ICC. Fansexpress mixed reactions, with excitement over Babar’s return tempered byconcerns about missing firepower from Rizwan’s keeping and finishing skillsand Rauf’s express pace in crucial phases.
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Pakistan’s campaign begins against the Netherlands in Colombo, withgroup-stage fixtures testing the team’s preparation in spin-assistingvenues. The finalized lineup emphasizes left-right batting balance and apotent fast-bowling unit, key factors in sub-continental T20 cricket wheredew and pitch deterioration often influence outcomes.
This selection underscores the PCB’s focus on rebuilding momentum aftermixed recent results, aiming for a strong showing in a tournament featuringtop teams like India, Australia, and England. Success will hinge onexecution of roles assigned during recent series and tri-nation events.
The World Cup represents a critical juncture for Pakistan cricket, with thesquad blending veterans and youth to challenge for the title not won since2009. As preparations intensify, all eyes remain on how this group performsunder global scrutiny.
Source:https://www.geo.tv/latest/646121-pacer-haris-rauf-faces-likely-snub-from-pakistans-t20-world-cup-2026-squad
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