Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi Named in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Squad; Haris Rauf Omitted

January 26, 2026

Pakistan has announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with senior stars Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi included to lead the team’s campaign. While their selection adds experience and stability, fast bowler Haris Rauf has been left out, a decision made with team balance and playing conditions in mind. The squad blends experience with emerging talent as Pakistan prepares to compete in the global tournament hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan’s cricket selectors have confirmed the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, and leading names including Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi are part of the team. The tournament is scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8, 2026, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Experienced Leaders Return

Former captain Babar Azam, widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s most consistent batters in the shortest format, has been included in the squad along with fast bowling spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi. Their selection brings experience and leadership to Pakistan’s squad as the team prepares for major challenges in the global event.

Babar’s inclusion follows his return to international T20 cricket, and selectors see his batting skill and calm presence as valuable for Pakistan’s World Cup campaign. Shaheen’s return adds strength to the pace attack, offering Pakistan a proven wicket-taking option in crucial moments.

A Notable Omission

One of the key headlines from the squad announcement is the omission of fast bowler Haris Rauf. Despite his strong recent performances in international and franchise cricket, Rauf was not included in the final squad. Selectors explained that conditions in Sri Lanka and team balance were among the factors considered when finalising the team.

Rauf’s exclusion marks a major decision, given his experience and pace-bowling credentials, and it has sparked discussion among cricket followers. Nevertheless, the selected bowling lineup will include other established and emerging pacers alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Team Composition and Goals

Alongside Babar and Shaheen, Pakistan’s squad includes a mix of seasoned performers and new talent, aiming to strike a balance between experience and fresh energy. This group will be looking to perform strongly in the T20 World Cup after building momentum through preparatory series and training camps.

The World Cup presents a major opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its cricketing depth and compete for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles. With conditions expected to vary across India and Sri Lanka, the team will focus on adapting their strategies and bringing their best performance on match days.