Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 received a timely boost as several players made notable gains in the latest ICC T20I rankings, with the spotlight firmly on Karachi boys Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed, who continue to shine on the global stage.
The updated rankings, released ahead of the tournament to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, underline Pakistan’s growing influence in white-ball cricket.
In the ICC T20I batting rankings, Saim Ayub was among the biggest movers, jumping eight places to 27th, a reflection of his recent consistency at the top of the order. The aggressive left-hander has become a key part of Pakistan’s T20 plans, and his rise also extends to the all-rounders’ rankings, where he has reclaimed the number one position, overtaking Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza.
Ayub’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made him one of Pakistan’s most valuable T20 assets heading into the T20 World Cup 2026.
Apart from Saim, Abrar Ahmed’s progress has been even more striking. The mystery spinner climbed to a career-best second place in the ICC T20I bowlers’ rankings, amassing 748 points and closing the gap on India’s Varun Chakravarthy, who remains top.
Abrar’s sharp turn took over Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, who slipped to third.
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha also gained ground, climbing 12 places to 29th with 589 points, while opener Sahibzada Farhan slipped two spots to seventh with 715 points.
Former captain Babar Azam dropped three places to 34th, Mohammad Rizwan slid to 67th, and Fakhar Zaman fell to 74th, reflecting mixed fortunes among Pakistan’s senior batters.
Spinner Mohammad Nawaz also impressed in the rankings, moving up eight places to seventh, while Shaheen Shah Afridi climbed five spots to 19th. However, Salman Mirza dropped to 22nd and Sufiyan Muqeem slipped to 38th.
Elsewhere, Shadab Khan made a significant recovery with a 33-place jump to 72nd, while Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf lost ground.
Pakistan’s presence was also felt strongly in the ICC T20I all-rounders’ rankings. Alongside Saim Ayub’s return to the top, Mohammad Nawaz moved up one place to fourth with 230 points. Shadab Khan climbed 13 spots to 26th, while Salman Ali Agha rose seven places to 54th.
