LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is closing in on its squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with final consultations expected later this week in Lahore. Discussions will also cover the upcoming home T20 International (T20I) series against Australia.
Read More: PCB ‘submits’ preliminary squad for T20I World Cup 2026 to ICC
White-ball head coach Mike Hesson is scheduled to arrive in Lahore after Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka concludes, ahead of final talks with captain Salman Ali Agha and selectors. Once consultations are complete, the squad will be officially announced with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s approval.
Pakistan has already submitted a preliminary list of players to the ICC for the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, but changes can still be made without ICC approval until January 31.
Probable members include captain Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan, and Abrar Ahmed. Other players under consideration are Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Salman Mirza, and Khawaja Nafay, while Abdul Samad,no Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Usman Tariq are likely to be named reserves.
Meanwhile, PCB has shared a proposed itinerary for Australia’s T20I tour with Cricket Australia. The three-match series could see Australia arriving on January 26 or 27, with departure scheduled for February 2 or 3. The tentative schedule includes matches on January 29, January 31, and February 1, with a one-day break before the final fixture.
Read More: PCB submits preliminary squad for T20 World Cup
Pakistan, 2009 T20 World Cup champions, will start their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo. Other group-stage matches are against the USA on February 10, India on February 15, and Namibia on February 18. All Group A fixtures will be played in Colombo, with Super Eight matches scheduled in Colombo and Kandy.