Pakistan’s Squad and Matches for T20I World Cup 2026

Pakistan heads into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a mix of experienced performers and exciting young talent.

Captain: Salman Ali Agha

Vice Captain: Shadab Khan

Coach: Mike Hesson

Pakistan Group Stage Match Schedule – T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan vs Netherlands

Date: 7 February 2026

Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Time: 11:00 am

Pakistan begins its World Cup campaign against Netherlands. This opening match is crucial for building early tournament momentum.

Pakistan vs USA

Date: 10 February 2026

Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Time: 07:00 pm

USA has improved significantly in recent ICC tournaments. Pakistan will aim to dominate with its experienced bowling attack.

Pakistan vs India

Date: 15 February 2026

Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Time: 07:00 pm

This is traditionally the most anticipated clash in international cricket. However, reports suggest Pakistan may not participate in this fixture due to political and administrative decisions, potentially affecting group standings.

Pakistan vs Namibia

Date: 18 February 2026

Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Time: 03:00 pm

Pakistan’s final group stage match could determine qualification for the next round depending on earlier results.

**Squad:**Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq

Salman Ali Agha (Captain)

✅ Strengths

Calm leadership and strong game awareness
Reliable middle-order batting stability
Useful off-spin bowling option

❌ Weaknesses

Strike rate sometimes slower in aggressive T20 matches
Limited finishing power compared to specialist hitters

Abrar Ahmed

✅ Strengths

Mystery spin variations create confusion
Strong wicket-taking ability in middle overs
Effective against attacking batters

❌ Weaknesses

Can become predictable if variations are read
Fielding consistency needs improvement

Babar Azam

✅ Strengths

Technically strong and consistent batter
Excellent anchor role in top order
Strong temperament in pressure matches

❌ Weaknesses

Strike rate sometimes questioned in fast chases
Takes time to settle early in innings

Faheem Ashraf

✅ Strengths

Valuable seam-bowling all-rounder
Useful lower-order power hitting
Strong experience in international cricket

❌ Weaknesses

Bowling consistency fluctuates
Batting performances can be unpredictable

Fakhar Zaman

✅ Strengths

Explosive opening batter
Strong boundary-hitting ability
Capable of match-winning innings

❌ Weaknesses

High-risk batting style
Vulnerable against swing bowling early

Khawaja Nafay

✅ Strengths

Young aggressive batting talent
Fearless attacking mindset
Strong power-hitting ability

❌ Weaknesses

Limited international experience
Shot selection under pressure needs improvement

Mohammad Nawaz

✅ Strengths

Reliable spin-bowling all-rounder
Useful middle-order batting depth
Good control in middle overs

❌ Weaknesses

Occasionally expensive against power hitters
Limited finishing impact with bat

Mohammad Salman Mirza

✅ Strengths

Good pace and wicket-taking ability
Emerging fast bowling talent
Aggressive bowling approach

❌ Weaknesses

Limited international exposure
Pressure handling in big matches yet to be tested

Naseem Shah

✅ Strengths

Express pace and swing bowling
Strong wicket-taking ability with new ball
Competitive attitude and aggression

❌ Weaknesses

Injury history concerns
Death overs economy sometimes inconsistent

Sahibzada Farhan

✅ Strengths

Aggressive top-order batting
Ability to score quickly in powerplay
Good domestic T20 record

❌ Weaknesses

Limited ICC tournament experience
Consistency at international level

Saim Ayub

✅ Strengths

Fearless attacking opener
Ability to dominate spin bowling
Young energetic match-winner

❌ Weaknesses

Shot selection sometimes risky
Needs consistency in longer tournaments

Shaheen Shah Afridi

✅ Strengths

World-class left-arm fast bowling
Dangerous new-ball swing bowler
Strong wicket-taking ability in powerplay

❌ Weaknesses

Fitness workload management required
Can leak runs if early swing not available

Shadab Khan

✅ Strengths

Leg-spin all-rounder with wicket-taking ability
Dynamic fielder
Useful middle-order batting

❌ Weaknesses

Bowling economy fluctuates
Batting consistency sometimes unreliable

Usman Khan

✅ Strengths

Powerful stroke play
Strong finishing ability
High scoring rate in T20 cricket

❌ Weaknesses

Limited international exposure
Can struggle against quality spin bowling

Usman Tariq

✅ Strengths

Emerging bowling talent
Strong control in shorter formats
Good variation skills

❌ Weaknesses

Experience at global level limited
Performance under high-pressure matches untested