Pakistan is ushering in a "new era" for the 2026 T20 World Cup, appointing Salman Ali Agha as captain for the tournament, which starts on February 7. While Babar Azam returns to anchor the batting, the squad features shocking omissions of superstars Haris Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan. With a blend of raw pace from Shaheen Afridi and mystery spin from Usman Tariq, the 2009 champions are ready to reclaim global glory.
The wait is finally over. With the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 set to ignite on February 7, 2026, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced a 15-man squad that signals a massive shift in philosophy. The 2009 champions and 2021 semi-finalists are no longer looking back; they are eyeing a future built on tactical versatility and "X-factor" talent.
In a move that has sparked intense debate across Lahore and Karachi, Salman Ali Agha has been named captain for the global showpiece. While Babar Azam remains a cornerstone of the batting lineup, the selectors have opted to relieve him of captaincy duties to allow him to focus entirely on his run-scoring prowess.
This decision marks a "new era" for Pakistan. Salman Ali Agha, known for his calm temperament and street-smart cricket, is tasked with leading a side often called "mercurial." With the tournament starting in just a few days, the pressure is on the new skipper to gel this squad into a winning unit.
The squad is a fascinating blend of raw speed and deceptive spin, perfectly tailored for the conditions in India and Sri Lanka.
The Pace Battery: Spearheaded by the world-class duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, the bowling attack remains Pakistan's greatest strength. They are joined by the emerging Mohammad Salman Mirza, whose death-bowling skills earned him a well-deserved spot.
The Mystery Factor: In a tactical masterstroke, Pakistan has included Usman Tariq, a "mystery spinner" whose variations have left many domestic batters clueless. Alongside Abrar Ahmed and the experienced Shadab Khan, Pakistan's spin department looks more lethal than ever.
Salman Ali Agha (C), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Sahibzada Farhan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq
While the inclusions are exciting, the exclusions have raised eyebrows. The most significant talking points remain the absence of Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf. The selectors have reportedly opted for "tactical combinations" over reputation, favouring a middle-order that can accelerate against spin—a move that suggests a more aggressive batting approach.
Pakistan has the pedigree. From the historic 2009 triumph at Lord's to the heartbreaking semi-final finish in 2021, the "Green Shirts" know what it takes to reach the business end of a World Cup.
As the action kicks off on February 7, all eyes will be on whether Salman Ali Agha can lead this brave new Pakistan side to their second T20 world title. One thing is sure: underestimating Pakistan in a World Cup is a mistake no team wants to make.
Also Read: West Indies Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
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