Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi return as Pakistan announce T20 World Cup 2026 squad | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Pakistan have announced their 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.The 2009 champions, captained by Salman Agha, will look to mount a strong challenge for their second title when the tournament begins on February 7.
Fresh off becoming the highest run-scorer in Men’s T20 Internationals, Babar Azam brings invaluable experience to Pakistan’s batting order.With Haris Rauf missing, the pace responsibilities will rest largely on Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.The squad also boasts depth in all-rounders, with Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz offering versatility across departments.Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside co-hosts and defending champions India, Netherlands, USA and Namibia.They will open their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7.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, Usman Tariq.Pakistan’s T20 World Cup group fixtures:vs Netherlands: February 7, Colombovs USA: February 10, Colombovs India: February 15, Colombovs Namibia: February 18, Colombo
