- PCB submits 15-member T20 World Cup roster.
- Babar, Shaheen, Haris included initially.
- January 31 is the ICC change deadline.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly completed the administrative step of submitting its provisional squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to take place across India and Sri Lanka starting February 7.
Sources familiar with the matter confirm that the PCB provided the 15-member roster, along with additional names for traveling reserves, to the apex cricket body on Saturday [Source: Geo News]. This early submission precedes the January 31 deadline set by the ICC, a cutoff date by which participating nations can freely adjust their contingents. Any changes requested after this point will require formal approval from the ICC Technical Committee.
Insiders suggest the initial list heavily relies on the experience of senior players. The names reportedly include core figures like former captain Babar Azam, pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, and fast bowler Haris Rauf. Crucially, the provisional squad also incorporates the players currently selected for Pakistan’s upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka.
This away series, slated for January 7 to 11, is viewed by the team management as a critical assessment opportunity. It provides a final chance to analyze the form and fitness of several players before the final definitive squad for the 20-team tournament must be locked in.
Pakistan, who secured the championship title in 2009, is grouped in Group A for the 2026 edition. Their campaign is set to commence on February 7 against the Netherlands in Colombo. The schedule ensures that all of the Green Shirts’ group-stage fixtures will be hosted within Sri Lanka, specifically in Colombo, with potential Super Eights matches also scheduled for Colombo and Kandy.