Pakistan’s selectors have made a bold call ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by dropping fast bowler Haris Rauf from the 15-member squad, while confirming Salman Ali Agha as captain for the global tournament.
The squad was unveiled on Sunday morning at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, during a press conference attended by Aqib Javed, captain Salman Ali Agha, and white-ball head coach Michael James Hesson.
Rauf’s omission is the most notable call, as Pakistan appear to have prioritised balance and recent form while finalising their squad for the 20-team tournament, which will run from February 7 to March 8.
Several players will make their first appearance at a T20 World Cup. Captain Salman Ali Agha is joined by Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Tariq, all of whom have earned maiden call-ups for a global ICC event.
The squad also features experienced campaigners who have represented Pakistan at previous T20 World Cups since 2021, including Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Usman Khan.
The expanded 20-team format will see each side play four group matches, with the top teams advancing to the Super Eight stage followed by the knockout rounds.
As part of their build-up to the tournament, Pakistan will host Australia in a three-match T20I series at Gaddafi Stadium on January 29, 31, and February 1, with the national training camp beginning today.
