Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Analysis: Babar Azam Returns, Haris Rauf Excluded in Spin-Heavy Selection

Pakistan have announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, with the 2009 champions making some bold selections as they chase their second title at the prestigious tournament. The squad, led by captain Salman Agha, features a calculated mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, with a clear emphasis on spin bowling to tackle the expected conditions in Sri Lanka.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan: Banking on Experience

In what many considered a pivotal decision, selectors have opted to include former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan despite their recent struggles for form. Both players have experienced turbulent periods in Pakistan's T20I setup, moving in and out of the squad in recent times.

Neither batter showcased their best during recent stints in Australia's Big Bash League, raising questions about their current form heading into a major ICC event. However, the management appears confident that the upcoming T20I series against Australia will provide the perfect platform for both players to rediscover their rhythm before the World Cup commences on February 7.

Batting Order Puzzle

The inclusion of Babar and Rizwan presents an intriguing tactical puzzle for Pakistan's think tank. Their vast experience in high-pressure ICC tournaments is undeniable, but where exactly they slot into the batting lineup remains uncertain. This flexibility could prove to be either an asset or a challenge as the team fine-tunes their combinations.

Explosive Options at the Top of the Order

With form concerns surrounding Babar and Rizwan, Pakistan have ensured they possess alternative firepower at the top of the order. Sahibzada Farhan appears destined to claim an opening berth, bringing an aggressive approach that could set the tone in the powerplay overs.

Dynamic Batting Depth

Saim Ayub and the experienced Fakhar Zaman provide additional options for the top order, with both players capable of taking the attack to opposition bowlers from the outset. Given that high-scoring encounters are anticipated at the tournament, having multiple aggressive options at the top could prove decisive.

Pakistan's batting resources appear well-stocked, with selectors clearly prioritizing versatility. The key challenge will be finding the optimal combination and ensuring the unit gels cohesively when it matters most on the global stage.

Spin-Heavy Strategy: The Haris Rauf Omission

Perhaps the most talked-about aspect of the squad announcement is the absence of pace bowler Haris Rauf. The right-arm quick, known for his wicket-taking ability at international level, has been overlooked in favor of a spin-dominant attack.

Four-Pronged Spin Attack

The selectors have assembled an impressive spin contingent featuring:

• Shadab Khan – The experienced leg-spinner who can also contribute with the bat
• Mohammad Nawaz – A seasoned left-arm spinner offering control and variety
• Abrar Ahmed – The mystery spinner capable of bamboozling batters
• Usman Tariq – Adding depth to the spin department

This quartet provides Pakistan with multiple spinning options to exploit the conditions expected in Sri Lanka, where pitches traditionally offer significant assistance to slow bowlers.

Pace Department Structure

Shaheen Shah Afridi, one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket, will spearhead the pace attack. The left-armer, renowned for his ability to strike early with the new ball, will be supported by Salman Mirza and Naseem Shah, forming a compact but potent fast-bowling unit.

Why Haris Rauf Missed Out

While Rauf's omission raised eyebrows, the decision appears rooted in practical considerations. Despite his undeniable wicket-taking prowess, the right-armer has shown a tendency to concede runs at crucial moments—a liability that selectors may have deemed too risky given the spin-friendly conditions anticipated at the tournament.

Complete Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Captain: Salman Agha

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

Looking Ahead: Pakistan's World Cup Prospects

Pakistan enter the T20 World Cup 2026 with genuine title aspirations. The squad reflects a pragmatic approach—backing experienced performers while preparing for specific conditions. The upcoming bilateral series against Australia will serve as a crucial dress rehearsal, offering insights into the team's preferred combinations.

If Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan can recapture their best form, and the spin quartet delivers on expectations, Pakistan possess all the ingredients to mount a serious challenge for their second T20 World Cup crown. The tournament begins on February 7, and the cricketing world will be watching closely to see if this calculated squad selection pays dividends for the 2009 champions.