Pakistan cricket team has announced its 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. This time the command of the team has been handed over to Salman Ali Aga, while Babar Azam will once again remain the backbone of the batting. In the bowling department, the deadly pair of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah is considered to be the biggest threat to the opposition teams. However, there remains political uncertainty regarding Pakistan’s participation before the tournament. PCB has made it clear that the government will take the final decision.

From cricket point of view, this team selection shows flexibility. Pakistan has selected three wicketkeeper-batsmen, two specialist spinners and several all-rounders, so that the combination can be changed according to the conditions.

1- Strength of Pakistan

The art of taking wickets in powerplay

When Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are in rhythm with the new ball, the course of the match can change in the first six overs. If the Colombo pitch helps even a little, then Pakistan’s pace attack can prove to be overpowering for the opposition.

Spin trap in middle overs

The support of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz along with specialist spinners like Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq makes Pakistan strong in the middle overs. These bowlers have the ability to stop runs as well as take wickets.

flexibility in batting

Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman are adept at giving fast starts, while Babar Azam works to manage the innings. Salman Aga and Shadab Khan can fit into any role as per requirement.

2- Weaknesses of Pakistan

questions in death overs

In the absence of Haris Rauf, bowling the last overs can become a challenge for Pakistan. Shaheen and Naseem will have to bowl accurately even under pressure.

Question regarding wicketkeeper

The team includes three wicketkeeper-batsmen. In such a situation, Pakistan will have to clearly decide who will be the main keeper and what role the other players will play.

dew in colombo

When dew arrives, the effect of spin may reduce, then the bowlers will have to show more discipline.

3- Opportunity for Pakistan

Advantage of only one ground in group stage

It is a matter of relief for Pakistan that it will play all its group matches in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Playing consecutive matches at the same venue will help the team understand the pitch and conditions and it will be easier to decide the right playing eleven. One advantage of this will be that the team can not only focus on qualifying but also on making a good net run rate, especially against weaker teams.

Captaincy test for Salman Aga

This tournament can be very important for Salman Aga’s captaincy career. He has many options in both bowling and batting, whose proper use can prove to be match-winning.

4- Dangers for Pakistan

High-pressure match against India

The match against India in Colombo on 15th February can change the picture of the group. Even a close defeat can push Pakistan into the race for net run rate.

Fearless Associate Teams

Teams like Netherlands, America and Namibia will not wait. If some overs are slow in batting or there is relaxation in death overs, then the match can be lost in just 10-12 balls.

X-Factor: Abrar Ahmed

Abrar Ahmed is such a bowler who can turn the match by taking sudden wickets in the middle overs. If they pick up the pace, Pakistan’s title dream will become stronger.

pakistan team

Salman Ali Aga (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafe, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.