Babar Azam IN, Haris Rauf Ignored as Pakistan Announce Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

The excitement and anticipation around the ICC Men's T20 World 2026 is rising rapidly as the tournament draws closer. In almost two weeks from now, on February 7, the event is set to start in India and Sri Lanka. The teams have already started their preparation for the tournament.

Meanwhile, Pakistan cricket team have announced the squad for the upcoming marquee event where they have made some shocking changes. Star batter Babar Azam retains his place in the squad but Haris Rauf has been sidelined from the T20 World Cup 2026.

Babar Azam Included, Haris Rauf Left Out of Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad

Pakistan have entrusted Babar Azam and have added him to the squad despite a poor run in the recent Big Bash League season. Due to his poor form, the fans were wondering will Babar Azam play World Cup 2026. However, he has found a way to be in the squad. Babar's inclusion shows that the board has prioritised experience over current form. He has been a part of several T20 World Cups and can be quite impactful this time as well.

While Babar has found a place, the selectors have left out Haris Rauf from the squad. Reports suggest that the head coach Mike Hesson voted against Rauf after his poor performance in the Asia Cup 2025 final against India.

Since that game, the fast bowler hasn't played a single T20I game for Pakistan despite having the ability to bowl the fastest ball in cricket. Interestingly, he was included in the provisional squad announced at the starting of this month. However, the board has sidelined him from Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2026.

Salman Ali Agha to Lead Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026

Salman Ali Agha will lead a well-balanced Pakistan team that has Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and others. The Men in Green will also play a 3-match T20I series against Australia at home where they are likely to finalise their team combination.

With one of the best batsmen like Babar Azam in the squad, they will be aiming to lift their second T20 World Cup title this time around. Overall, the squad looks quite interesting with a blend of experience and new comers.

Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

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