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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially submitted its preliminary squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, naming several senior stars while leaving out at least one high-profile player in a move that has sparked discussion among fans and experts.
According to available details, the provisional squad includes marquee names such as former captain Babar Azam, pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, and fast bowler Haris Rauf, highlighting the selectors’ intention to retain a strong core of experienced players.
Alongside them, the PCB has also named Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmad, and Usman Tariq as part of the initial list submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Final Squad to Be Announced After Sri Lanka Series
The PCB will finalize Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad after the conclusion of the Pakistan–Sri Lanka series later this month. As per ICC regulations, all participating teams are allowed to make unrestricted changes to their squads until January 31, 2026.
After the cut-off date, any changes will only be permitted in cases of genuine injury or exceptional circumstances and will require approval from the ICC Technical Committee. This window gives Pakistan’s selectors some flexibility to fine-tune the squad based on form, fitness, and team balance.
Shaheen Afridi’s Fitness a Major Concern
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the preliminary squad is the fitness of Shaheen Shah Afridi. Sources indicate that his inclusion in the final World Cup squad depends entirely on his recovery from injury.
The PCB is closely monitoring the left-arm pacer’s rehabilitation, as his participation in the tournament has become uncertain. In preparation for a possible setback, the selectors have identified Mohammad Waseem Jr as a like-for-like replacement should Shaheen fail to regain full fitness in time.
Mohammad Rizwan Left Out — For Now
Perhaps the most surprising omission from the preliminary squad is wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. The dependable performer is not part of the initial list, signaling that team management is exploring alternative options behind the stumps.
Currently, the wicketkeeper’s spot is a straight contest between Khawaja Nafay and Usman Khan. Both players are being closely observed by the selectors, with form, fitness, and adaptability to T20 conditions playing a key role in the final decision.
Players Pushing for Late Inclusion
Abdul Samad remains firmly in contention for a World Cup berth. The aggressive middle-order batter has been informed that standout performances in the upcoming Sri Lanka series could earn him a place in the final squad.
Additionally, left-arm wrist-spinner Sufyan Muqeem and young batter Hassan Nawaz are being considered as backup options. Their inclusion as reserves would provide Pakistan with extra depth in both the bowling and batting departments in case of injuries or sudden loss of form.
Selection Still Wide Open
With several positions still undecided, the Pakistan T20 World Cup squad remains very much a work in progress. The upcoming matches against Sri Lanka will be crucial for fringe players hoping to impress, while senior stars will aim to cement their places and build momentum ahead of the global tournament.
As the January 31 deadline approaches, competition within the squad is expected to intensify, ensuring that Pakistan fields a balanced and competitive side for the T20 World Cup.
