Analysing the Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2026 including the omission of Haris Rauf, the return of Babar Azam and the strong spin attack.
Pakistan have announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, even as their participation in the tournament remains subject to government clearance. The selection itself, however, throws up several clear talking points around form, role clarity, and a visible shift in team balance. Pakistan are the latest to enter the list of squads for T20 World Cup 2026.
(updated on February 6, 2026)
Pakistan Squad For T20 World Cup 2026
Salman Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) Usman Tariq
Babar Azam Back in the T20 World Cup Setup
The biggest headline is the inclusion of Babar Azam after a poor BBL season. His return to Pakistan’s T20 plans now looks complete. Despite a difficult Big Bash League stint, where he scored 202 runs at a strike rate of just over 103, Babar has been backed for his fourth T20 World Cup.
This will also be Babar’s first T20 World Cup without captaincy duties, with Salman Agha set to lead the side. The move suggests Pakistan are keen to free Babar from leadership pressure and focus purely on his batting role at the top of the order.
Haris Rauf Misses Out Despite Strong BBL Season
Why is Haris Rauf omitted from Pakistan squad? One of the most striking omissions is Haris Rauf, even though he finished as the leading wicket-taker in the BBL. Rauf has not played a T20I since the Asia Cup final against India in September, where his expensive death overs proved costly.
With the World Cup squad named before the Australia T20I series could be assessed, selectors stuck with their existing pecking order, and Rauf appears to have slipped well down it.
“Wasim Jr, Ahmed Daniyal and Haris Rauf were certainly considered, but unfortunately there’s no spot. The three that are going are Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Salman Mirza, all can bowl in all three phases of the game, which is really important when you’re potentially going to play two in Sri Lanka,” head coach Mike Hesson explained.
Spin-Heavy Squad Reflects Subcontinent Conditions
Pakistan’s squad composition points clearly towards Sri Lanka-style conditions. Instead of carrying extra pace depth, they have strengthened their spin resources, retaining Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq.
Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Salman Mirza are the three frontline seamers, indicating Pakistan’s intent to rely on spin control through the middle overs rather than outright pace.
Squad Mirrors Australia Series Selection
The World Cup squad closely resembles the group picked for the bilateral T20Is against Australia, with Mohammad Wasim Jnr the only notable exclusion from that setup. With the ICC deadline looming, selectors opted for continuity rather than last-minute experimentation.
Chief selector Aaqib Javed made it clear that the squad announcement was independent of Pakistan’s final call on participation, underlining that the selection process has moved ahead regardless of the off-field uncertainty.
Usman Tariq’s Action Under the Spotlight
One of the more intriguing talking points around Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad is the inclusion of mystery spinner Usman Tariq. His unusual side-arm release drew attention during the recent series against Australia, with Cameron Green’s reaction sparking fresh debate over whether his bowling action is legal.
Tariq has previously been reported in the PSL but cleared after biomechanical testing, and there is no suspension in place. Still, questions around his technique continue to generate discussion ahead of the tournament.
👉 Read full breakdown: Is Usman Tariq Action Legal? Bowling Action Explained
For schedule, venues and latest updates, see our T20 World Cup 2026 news page.
