Pakistan has officially announced its squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup during a press conference held in Lahore, marking a crucial step in final preparations for the global tournament. The announcement has generated strong interest among fans, as expectations remain high for the national side in one of cricket’s most competitive formats.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and India, but all of Pakistan’s matches are scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka. Officials confirmed that this arrangement allows the team to focus on a single set of playing conditions while preparing for a challenging group stage.
Salman Ali Agha has been named captain of the squad, taking on the leadership role for the marquee event. The squad includes a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, reflecting the selectors’ intention to balance stability with fresh energy in the shortest format of the game.
The selected squad features Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), and Usman Tariq. The inclusion of multiple wicketkeeping options provides flexibility in team combinations.
Pakistan will begin its T20 World Cup campaign on February 7 with a group match against the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. The team will then face the United States of America on February 10 at the same venue, aiming to secure early momentum in the tournament.
The most anticipated fixture of Pakistan’s group stage will be against India on February 15 at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Pakistan will conclude its group matches on February 18 against Namibia at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, with hopes of advancing to the knockout stages through consistent performances.
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