Pakistan announce squad for T20 World Cup amid threat of pull-out; Babar Azam included despite poor form

Squad Announcement Amid Boycott Tensions

Pakistan's cricket board unveiled its squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday in Lahore, signaling a commitment to the tournament despite swirling rumors of a potential pull-out.

The announcement came during a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, where PCB Director High Performance Aqib Javed, captain Salman Ali Agha, and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson outlined the 15-member team.

This move follows earlier threats from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to boycott the event in solidarity with Bangladesh, after the ICC replaced them with Scotland due to security concerns over traveling to India.

Grouped in Group A, Pakistan will open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, with the tournament running from February 7 to March 8 across venues in India and Sri Lanka.

Salman Ali Agha Takes Helm with Blend of Youth and Experience

Salman Ali Agha has been named captain, marking a fresh start for Pakistan's T20 side as the 2009 champions aim for another title.

The squad mixes seasoned campaigners with promising newcomers, including six players earning their first mega-event call-ups: Agha himself, Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Tariq.

Veterans like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Usman Khan bring experience from previous editions since 2021.

Notably, Babar Azam retains his spot despite a dip in form during recent stints, including Australia's Big Bash League, with selectors banking on his pedigree to deliver in the crunch.

The full lineup reads: 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), and Usman Tariq.

Participation Uncertainty Lingers as Coach Issues stark Warning

While the squad announcement projects readiness, head coach Mike Hesson dropped a bombshell by revealing that government clearance for participation is still pending.

Hesson stated at the press conference.

We have announced the squad to show our intent, but participation is not certain yet as we await final approval from the government. This is a critical step, and we're preparing accordingly while hoping for positive resolution,

This uncertainty stems from the earlier boycott rhetoric tied to Bangladesh's exclusion, leaving fans and analysts speculating on whether Pakistan will indeed compete.

Adding to the buildup, Pakistan faces Australia in a three-match T20I series at Gaddafi Stadium on January 29, 31, and February 1, with a preparation camp kicking off immediately.

Selectors emphasized balance, with strong pace options in Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, spin all-rounders like Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, and explosive batsmen such as Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub to chase high totals expected on the subcontinent pitches.

Dropping players like Haris Rauf underscores a strategic shift toward this core group.

The decision to include Babar Azam highlights faith in his class, even as pressure mounts for him to rediscover his ruthless scoring touch before the World Cup.

With openers like Sahibzada Farhan and potential top-order partners in Saim Ayub or Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan boasts depth in batting firepower.

Wicket-keeping duties fall to Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan, providing flexibility.

As the team gels through the Australia series, all eyes remain on resolving the participation hurdle to avoid last-minute drama.

In summary, Pakistan's bold squad selection blends experience and youth under new skipper Salman Ali Agha, retains Babar Azam despite form woes, but hangs in balance over government nod amid boycott shadows, setting up an intriguing World Cup narrative.