The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has moved into the final phase of preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with sources indicating that consultations on the national squad are set to take place later this week in Lahore.
According to officials familiar with the process, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson is expected to arrive in Lahore following the conclusion of Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka. Final discussions involving the team management, selectors and captain Salman Ali Agha will then shape the squad for both the World Cup and the upcoming home T20I series against Australia.
Probables shortlist takes shape
The PCB has already submitted a preliminary list of players to the ICC, though changes can still be made without formal approval until January 31. Sources say the current list of probables includes Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed.
Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Salman Mirza remain under consideration, while Khawaja Nafay is also being closely monitored. Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Usman Tariq are likely to feature among the reserve players.
Australia T20Is part of final planning
Alongside squad selection, the PCB has proposed two draft schedules to Cricket Australia for a three-match T20I series at home. The Australian team is expected to arrive either on January 26 or 27, with fixtures tentatively planned for January 29 and 31, followed by the final match on February 1.
The series is expected to serve as Pakistan’s final competitive build-up before the World Cup.
Pakistan’s World Cup schedule confirmed
Pakistan, champions of the 2009 edition, will play all of their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka. They open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the USA (February 10), India (February 15) and Namibia (February 18).
Super Eight fixtures are scheduled to be held in Colombo and Kandy.
With time running out before the tournament begins, the coming days are expected to be decisive as Pakistan look to lock in a squad capable of mounting a serious title challenge.
