Pakistan T20 World Cup squad: selection controversies explained; probable playing XI

BY: Zohaib Rana

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalised its 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, but the announcement has already sparked debate among fans and analysts. Notable absentees include Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Hassan Nawaz, Wasim Junior, and Sufiyan Muqeem – players who have previously shown promise but were ultimately overlooked. Here’s why we think that happened…

Rizwan’s exclusion comes after a disappointing Big Bash League campaign, where his strike rate lagged and performances were inconsistent. This decision raises eyebrows, however, given that Babar Azam, also criticized for occasional slow scoring in recent T20 outings, retains his place as team captain.

Haris Rauf missed out due to ongoing fitness issues and a lack of consistent form, leaving Pakistan’s pace attack slightly thinner. Similarly, Hassan Nawaz, a naturally aggressive middle-order batsman, was deemed unsuitable for the subcontinent conditions of Sri Lanka.

Spin selection also sparked discussion. Sufiyan Muqeem, a wrist-spinner who could thrive on spin-friendly Sri Lankan pitches, was passed over in favor of Abrar Ahmed, a leg-spinner with greater experience at the international level. This suggests that selectors prioritised experience over raw potential, especially in pressure situations.

Wasim Junior (Jr), another exclusion, could have bolstered the pace attack, given his superior economy rate compared to Naseem Shah, but the PCB opted to stick with a more experienced trio of fast bowlers.

Based on the squad and current form, Pakistan’s probable playing XI for the Sri Lankan conditions might be:

PREDICTED T20 XI & THE SELECTION RATIONALE:

1. Farhan – Opener
2. Saim – Opener / Top Order
3. Babar Azam – Middle Order
4. Khawaja Nafay / Fakhar – Middle Order Flexibility
5. Salman Ali Agha – Skipper / All-Rounder
6. Nawaz – Middle Order / Spin Option
7. Shadab Khan – All-Rounder / Spin
8. Faheem Ashraf – All-Rounder / Medium Pace
9. Shaheen Afridi – Strike Bowler
10. Abrar Ahmed / Naseem Shah – Spin / Pace Option
11. Salman – Utility Player / Lower Order

The XI reflects a mix of experience and youth, with a balance between spin and pace to suit Sri Lankan pitches. However, the exclusion of players like Rizwan and Sufiyan Muqeem leaves room for debate, particularly regarding the team’s finishing options and wrist-spin variety.

With conditions expected to favor spin, Pakistan’s strategy seems focused on playing seasoned bowlers under pressure, while relying on Babar Azam and the top order to anchor the innings. The T20 World Cup will test whether the PCB’s selection choices, prioritizing experience over form in some cases, pay off on the field.