PCB Submits Provisional Squad to ICC
As the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 approaches (February 7 - March 8 in India and Sri Lanka), Pakistan has submitted their provisional 15-member squad to the ICC. The official announcement is expected soon, possibly after the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Reports indicate a blend of experienced stars and young talents, with big names like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi making returns after being rested for the Sri Lanka series.
Key Highlights from Reports
- Captaincy: Salman Ali Agha continues to lead in the current series, but leadership for the World Cup remains under discussion.
- Returns: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi (fitness pending), Shadab Khan, and possibly Haris Rauf.
- Emerging Players: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, and mystery spinners like Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq.
- Notable Absences: Mohammad Rizwan reportedly excluded in some provisional lists; focus on aggressive batting.
Reported Provisional Core Players
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan |
| All-Rounders | Shadab Khan, Salman Ali Agha (c), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz |
| Wicketkeepers | Usman Khan (part-time), others TBD |
| Pacers | Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr. |
| Spinners | Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq |
Current T20I Squad vs Sri Lanka (Building Block for WC)
The ongoing series squad led by Salman Ali Agha:
- Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq
This series is crucial for finalizing combinations ahead of the World Cup, where Pakistan plays all matches in Sri Lanka (Group A: vs Netherlands first on Feb 7).
Note: The final 15-member squad is yet to be officially announced by PCB. Changes can be made until January 31, 2026. This post is based on reliable reports as of January 4, 2026. Check official PCB sources for updates.