Pakistan have announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with a strong Karachi flavour running through the selection as the national side looks to blend experience with emerging firepower.
The squad was unveiled in Lahore on Sunday, with Pakistan set to open their Group A campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.
The announcement was made at the Gaddafi Stadium by PCB Director High Performance Aqib Javed, T20I captain Salman Ali Agha and white-ball head coach Michael James Hesson. While the headline names were expected, it was the prominence of Karachi-based players that stood out, underlining the city’s continued role as a conveyor belt of white-ball talent.
Usman Khan, one of the most destructive batters in Pakistan’s domestic and franchise circuits over the past two seasons, retains his place as a wicketkeeping option after impressing in previous T20 World Cup editions.
Saim Ayub, another Karachi product, will once again be tasked with providing intent at the top of the order. Since making his international breakthrough, Saim has grown into a high-impact opener, capable of changing the tempo of a game within a few overs. His fearless approach is expected to be central to Pakistan’s batting blueprint.
Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, meanwhile, has earned his maiden call-up to a global event. The young wicketkeeper-batter’s rise has been swift, built on consistency in domestic cricket and assured performances under pressure. His inclusion adds depth to Pakistan’s middle order and reinforces Karachi’s presence in the squad.
The Karachi contingent is complemented by a familiar core of international experience. Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah bring pedigree and tournament know-how, while Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed offer spin options tailored for conditions in Sri Lanka.
Captain Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Tariq are among those receiving their first T20 World Cup call-ups, signalling a generational shift as Pakistan look beyond established names.
Before the tournament begins, Pakistan will fine-tune their preparations with a three-match T20I series against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium on January 29, 31 and February 1, with a training camp already underway.
With Karachi’s batters expected to play pivotal roles and a balanced bowling attack at their disposal, Pakistan will head into the World Cup aiming to make a strong start and build momentum through the group stage.
Pakistan squad:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.
