One of Pakistan’s leading fast bowlers, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, or Wasim Jnr, is expected to miss out on selection for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board has already submitted a preliminary list of players to the International Cricket Council for the tournament.
However, the PCB is allowed to make changes to the submitted list without ICC approval until January 31, with an official squad announcement expected soon.
Sources indicate that the list of probable players includes captain Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan, and Abrar Ahmed.
Other players still under consideration are Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Salman Mirza, and Khawaja Nafay. Meanwhile, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Usman Tariq are likely to be named among the reserve players.
The report suggests that the team management faces difficult selection decisions as it finalizes the squad. With intense competition for fast-bowling spots, only two of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Wasim Jr are expected to make the final cut.
All three players have been key members of Pakistan’s pace attack in recent years, making the potential omission a significant call ahead of the tournament.
Pakistan, the 2009 T20 World Cup champions, will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against Netherlands cricket team on February 7 in Colombo.
They will then face the United States cricket team on February 10, followed by a high-profile clash against arch-rivals India cricket team on February 15. Pakistan will conclude their group-stage matches against Namibia cricket team on February 18.
All of Pakistan’s Group A matches will be played in Colombo. The Super Eight matches are scheduled to take place in Colombo and Kandy.
