Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 are entering a decisive phase, with sources indicating that the final squad announcement is expected after key consultations later this week.
Officials familiar with the process say the Pakistan Cricket Board has already submitted a preliminary squad list to the International Cricket Council, though changes can still be made until January 31 without requiring ICC approval.
Final Talks Await Head Coach’s Arrival
White-ball head coach Mike Hesson is expected to arrive in Lahore following the conclusion of Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka. Sources say the squad will be finalised after discussions between the coaching staff, selectors, and team management.
The final list will be announced once it receives approval from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Pakistan’s T20I squad is due to return home shortly, with further input also expected from captain Salman Ali Agha as the board moves closer to locking in its combinations.
🏏 Pakistan’s Rumored T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
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Salman Ali Agha (c)
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Sahibzada Farhan
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Saim Ayub
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Shadab Khan
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Fakhar Zaman
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Babar Azam
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Faheem Ashraf
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Mohammad Nawaz
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Usman Khan
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Naseem Shah
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Shaheen Afridi
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Abrar Ahmed
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Haris Rauf
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Salman Mirza
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Khawaja Nafay
Likely reserves: Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Usman Tariq
🗓️ Upcoming Schedule Discussions
On the scheduling front, the PCB has also shared a draft plan with Cricket Australia regarding Australia’s proposed T20I tour of Pakistan. Two possible itineraries are under discussion for a three-match T20I series.
Sources suggest Australia could arrive on January 26 or 27 and depart on February 2 or 3, with tentative match dates proposed for January 29, January 31, and February 1.
