![Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad likely to be announced soon [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767434053560_Babar Azam and Haris Rauf .jpg)
The Pakistan Cricket Board has shared the names of its preliminary squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The tournament is set to take place in India and Sri Lanka next month, and preparations have already moved into a serious phase.
Along with the main 15-member squad, the PCB has also submitted a list of reserve players.
Geo Super reported that the initial list features some of Pakistan’s biggest stars. Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf are among the prominent names included.
It is important to note that these senior players are not a part of the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, which comes just before the World Cup, as they are currently fulfilling commitments in the Big Bash League in Australia.
Shaheen Afridi likely to be included despite injury
Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi’s situation has drawn special attention in recent days. Shaheen’s BBL campaign with Brisbane Heat came to an early end after he picked up a knee injury. Following discussions between the PCB medical team and Brisbane Heat officials, it was decided that Shaheen would return to Pakistan to begin his recovery process.
The main focus remains his fitness for the World Cup scheduled for February and March. Brisbane Heat confirmed the decision in a statement, noting that the move was made with Shaheen’s long-term availability in mind.
Notably, Haris Rauf has also been added in the provisional squad, while Shaheen’s final spot will depend on how well he recovers from his injury.
Shadab Khan likely to be picked for T20 World Cup
The wider Pakistan squad also includes Shadab Khan, who has been away from international cricket since May last year due to a shoulder problem. He recently returned to competitive action in the BBL and has been selected for the T20I series against Sri Lanka.
The selectors have mostly chosen players who are part of the Sri Lanka tour, with the final World Cup squad expected to be confirmed after that series concludes.
Pakistan likely to make changes in T20 World Cup squad after SL series
Pakistan will play three T20I matches in Sri Lanka between January 7 and January 11. Reports suggest that the PCB has the freedom to adjust the squad until January 31 without ICC approval. Any changes after that date will need clearance from the ICC technical committee.
After the Sri Lanka series, the PCB plans to announce the final World Cup squad as well as the team for the upcoming tour of Australia. Player performances during the Sri Lanka matches will play a key role in those decisions.
The ICC T20 World Cup will begin on February 7, with Pakistan playing all of its matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States. The Men in Green will start their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground.
The highly anticipated match against India is scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
.jpg?type=mq "Maxwell As Backup Wicketkeeper")
