Drama unfolds in Pakistani cricket as the PCB announces its T20 World Cup 2026 squad under new captain Salman Ali Agha, retaining Babar Azam but shockingly leaving out Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf post their BBL flops.
The decision underscores a shift towards emerging talents in keeping roles: Khwaja Mohammad Nafi leads, supported by experienced domestic keeper Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Khan. Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan anchor the all-round department, with Faheem Ashraf bolstering the quicks.
Without Rauf, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah helm the pace battery, promising fireworks. The batting lineup mixes youth like Saim Ayub with veterans Fakhar Zaman and Babar.
Drawn in Group A against India, Netherlands, USA, and Namibia, all Pakistan matches unfold in Colombo starting February 7 (vs Netherlands), then USA (10th), India (15th), and Namibia (18th). The event spans India and Sri Lanka.
Squad in full: Salman Ali Agha (captain), 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.
This revamped unit faces immense pressure, especially against India. PCB’s bold call could redefine Pakistan’s T20 fortunes—or backfire spectacularly.