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Ex-Pakistan captain names Khawaja Nafay as Rizwan's replacement for T20 World Cup 2026

Akshita Patel

Khawaja Nafay backed for T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: @MuzamalDhother, @iamAhmadhaseeb/X.com]Khawaja Nafay backed for T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: @MuzamalDhother, @iamAhmadhaseeb/X.com]

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has thrown his support behind young wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay for the T20 World Cup 2026. 

Nafay made his international debut in the third T20I against Sri Lanka and showed promising signs despite Pakistan’s narrow defeat. 

With the World Cup just weeks away, Latif’s comments suggest that Mohammad Rizwan might get booted out after all.

Rashid Latif’s strong backing for Khawaja  Nafay

Ex-Pakistan captain Rashid Latif took to social media to share his thoughts after the third T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. 

While praising captain Salman Agha for his aggressive knock, Latif clearly indicated that Khawaja Nafay should be considered as Pakistan’s wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup 2026.

“Captain played well tonight. Khawaja Nafeh Wicket Keeper for WC 26," Latif wrote on X.

Latif’s support is significant, as he himself was a former wicketkeeper and understands the demands of the role. Nafay, who has been performing well in domestic cricket, got his first international opportunity in Dambulla. 

With Pakistan still searching for stability in the wicketkeeper position, Latif’s endorsement could boost Nafay’s chances.

End of the road for Mohammad Rizwan?

With Khawaja Nafay coming out strong, Mohammad Rizwan will most probably be axed from the Pakistan squad for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Rizwan's poor season in the BBL, and his not having played T20Is since December 2024, have meant that he have slipped down the pecking order.

Clearly, Pakistan's selectors are moving towards fresh, aggressive options, and Nafay fits that modern T20 profile better than Rizwan at the moment.

The bigger issue is that both Babar Azam and Rizwan have failed to force their way back. With Babar scoring just 154 runs in eight matches and Rizwan struggling for form, the selectors may prefer one of them at most, not both.

If Nafay continues to impress, Rizwan is the most vulnerable name. His conservative strike-rate and recent dip make his World Cup spot genuinely uncertain.