Key takeaways from Pakistan's squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Asian powerhouse Pakistan named their squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Sunday, with the 2009 champions opting for a good blend of youth and experience as they try and claim a second title at the event.

We look at the key takeaways from the squad announcement:

Experienced duo backed to find form

Former skippers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been in and out of Pakistan's T20I side in recent times, though selectors have opted to include the pair in the 15-player group for the tournament that commences on February 7.

Neither Babar or Rizwan appeared in great form during recent stints in Australia's domestic Big Bash competition and team management will be hoping the pair can find the runs against the Aussies in the quickfire T20I series prior to the T20 World Cup.

The experience of Babar and Rizwan will be valuable for Pakistan at the T20 World Cup, but where the pair slot in on the batting order remains to be seen.

Flair at the top of the batting order

With question marks surrounding the form of key duo Babar and Rizwan, Pakistan may choose to go all out attack by using their most destructive batters at the top of their batting order.

Right-hander Sahibzada Farhan looks certain to open the batting for Pakistan at the T20 World Cup, while Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman are other options the side may look to near the top of the order with high scores likely be a feature at the tournament.

There's no doubt Pakistan have enough quality batting options at their disposal, so it's just about getting the balance right and making sure the team gels at the right time.

No room for Rauf as Pakistan entrust spinners

While the decision to leave pace spearhead Haris Rauf out of Pakistan's squad came as a bit of a surprise, there's no doubt selectors have opted to include a bevy of strong spinners to suit the conditions that are expected in Sri Lanka.

Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq are all good spinning options that are sure to be utilised at different stages of the tournament, with left-armer Shaheen Afridi expected to lead the pace department with help from fellow quicks Salman Mirza and Naseem Shah.

There's no doubting Rauf's wicket-taking ability at international level, but the right-armer also often tends to concede plenty of runs and this may have proven his downfall on this occasion.

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