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Pakistan T20 World Cup squad sealed; PAK vs AUS schedule 2026 shared with Cricket Australia

Rajgeeta Yadav

Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad likely to be announced soon [Source: AFP]Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad likely to be announced soon [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad is expected to be announced very soon. The final discussions regarding team selection, along with plans for the upcoming home T20I series against Australia, are likely to take place later this week. 

This stage is important because the management wants clarity before major international commitments begin.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad likely to be announced this week

According to reports, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson will arrive in Lahore after Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka comes to an end. Once these meetings are completed, the final squad will be announced after getting approval from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Earlier, the PCB had already shared a preliminary 15-member squad with the International Cricket Council for the T20 World Cup. However, the rules allow the PCB to make changes to this list without ICC approval until January 31. As a result, recent Sri Lanka T20I performances can still influence selection decisions.

Meanwhile, Pakistan players are returning home after completing the three-match series in Sri Lanka, which ultimately ended in a draw, as Sri Lanka won the third T20I by 17 runs.

Pakistan await final T20 World Cup squad decision

Reports suggest that head coach Mike Hesson and T20I captain Salman Ali Agha will hold final talks with selectors before locking the squad.

Earlier, names like Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi were almost certain picks. However, newer reports shows a wider group of probable players. This list includes Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan, and Abrar Ahmed.

Other players under consideration include Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Salman Mirza, and Khawaja Nafay. At the same time, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Usman Tariq are likely to be named as reserve players.

It is important to note that Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is hoping for a strong showing at the T20 World Cup. The 25-year-old is currently recovering from a knee injury, but he is expected to regain full fitness in time.

Australia Tour plan shared with Cricket Australia

Alongside squad planning, the PCB has also shared a proposed schedule for Australia’s T20I tour of Pakistan with Cricket Australia. Two draft plans have been sent for a three-match series.

According to sources, Australia could arrive on either January 26 or 27 and leave by February 2 or 3. The plan suggests two matches played close together, followed by a short break before the final game. Fixtures are likely on January 29 and 31, with the last match on February 1.

Looking ahead, Pakistan have been placed in Group A for the T20 World Cup 2026 along with India, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. They will start their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.