T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan announces 15-member squad amid pull-out threat

PTC News Desk: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially confirmed that Pakistan will compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, putting an end to weeks of political and sporting uncertainty. The board announced its 15-member squad on Sunday after earlier speculation that Pakistan might withdraw from the tournament. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had previously hinted at a possible boycott following Bangladesh’s pullout over security concerns in India.

Pakistan’s decision to participate comes shortly after reports that the International Cricket Council (ICC) warned of strict penalties if the PCB went ahead with a boycott. Bangladesh has since been replaced by Scotland, after ICC-appointed security experts concluded there was no credible threat in India.

Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as team captain, with the squad featuring several high-profile returns and notable exclusions. Senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been recalled to add experience and pace after missing recent series.

Fast bowler Haris Rauf was left out due to form and fitness issues, while veteran wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan failed to make the squad following an underwhelming Big Bash League campaign. Meanwhile, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay and Usman Tariq have earned their first-ever World Cup selections.

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 (wk), and Usman Tariq.