Babar Azam Returns to Pakistan's T20 World Cup Squad as Haris Rauf Pays Price for Asia Cup Final Collapse

In a dramatic twist to Pakistan cricket's ongoing saga, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, even as the team's participation in the tournament remains uncertain pending government approval.

The squad announcement comes just a day after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi cast doubt over Pakistan's participation following Bangladesh's ouster from the tournament, adding another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a pivotal chapter in Pakistan cricket history.

Babar Azam's Redemption Arc Continues

The headline inclusion is undoubtedly Babar Azam, whose reintegration into Pakistan T20 cricket appears complete with his selection for what will be his fourth T20 World Cup appearance. However, this time carries a significant distinction – it marks his first World Cup where he won't be leading the side.

Babar's selection comes despite a challenging Big Bash League campaign with Sydney Sixers, where he managed 202 runs across 11 innings at a strike rate of just 103.06 – the lowest for any player who has scored over 200 runs in a BBL season. The former captain's BBL stint was further marred by controversy when teammate Steven Smith denied him a single off the last ball of an over during a crucial group stage match, an incident that reportedly took "a couple of days" to reconcile.

The 31-year-old was subsequently called back to Pakistan for national duty while Sixers progressed to the finals, with former Australia batter Mark Waugh among those suggesting he should be dropped from the starting XI.

Haris Rauf's Costly Omission

The most notable absentee from the squad is pace sensation Haris Rauf, who despite being the top wicket-taker in the current Big Bash League season, finds himself on the outside looking in. The right-arm quick's exclusion traces back to the Asia Cup final against India in September 2024, where his expensive death bowling ultimately cost Pakistan the trophy.

Rauf conceded 18 runs in the 18th over when India needed 30 from 18 balls, then leaked another 13 from four deliveries when the opposition required just 10 from the final over. Since that fateful night, the fast bowler is understood to have fallen significantly down Pakistan's pecking order – a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in international cricket.

Squad Composition: Spin-Heavy Approach for Sri Lankan Conditions

Chief selector Aaqib Javed and the selection committee have opted for a spin-heavy approach, clearly anticipating the conditions they'll encounter in Sri Lanka. The squad features four specialist spinners:

• Shadab Khan – The veteran leg-spinner brings experience and all-round capability
• Mohammad Nawaz – Left-arm orthodox spinner with proven T20 credentials
• Abrar Ahmed – Mystery spinner adds variety to the attack
• Usman Tariq – Young spinner offering left-arm wrist-spin options

Pace Bowling Resources

Pakistan have trimmed their fast bowling contingent to just three specialists:

• Shaheen Shah Afridi – The spearhead of Pakistan's pace attack
• Naseem Shah – Raw pace and bounce
• Salman Mirza – Emerging talent providing backup

Mohammad Wasim Jnr, who was included in the bilateral T20I squad against Australia, missed the World Cup cut.

Salman Agha Takes the Reins

The captaincy baton passes to Salman Agha, who will lead Pakistan into the tournament. The all-rounder's elevation to leadership represents a new chapter for Pakistan cricket, moving away from the Babar Azam era that defined their white-ball cricket for several years.

Selection Timeline Leaves No Room for Auditions

With the ICC deadline of January 30 for squad finalization, Pakistan had no opportunity to assess performances in the upcoming Australia T20I series starting January 29. This meant selectors had to rely on existing form and track records rather than fresh evidence.

"We are selectors, and our job is to pick the team. We've announced the team very close to the deadline. The government will decide on our participation so I can say nothing on that front. That's what the chairman has said, too, so we'll wait for their decision."

— Aaqib Javed, Chief Selector

The Road Ahead: Netherlands Await in Colombo

Should government approval come through, Pakistan are scheduled to open their T20 World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo. The venue choice and Sri Lankan conditions explain the selectors' decision to bolster spin options at the expense of pace depth.

Complete Squad List

Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad:

Looking Forward: Uncertainty Meets Opportunity

Pakistan cricket finds itself at a crossroads. The inclusion of Babar Azam despite indifferent form suggests selectors are banking on his big-tournament experience, while Haris Rauf's omission sends a clear message about accountability for high-pressure performances.

With participation still pending governmental green light, the coming days will determine whether this squad gets the opportunity to compete on the world stage. If they do, the spin-heavy composition and blend of experience with emerging talent could prove shrewd for Sri Lankan conditions – provided the psychological scars from recent setbacks don't linger.