Is Babar Azam Back in the Squad for the T20 World Cup?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan's senior national selectors have announced a preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup, featuring notable inclusions and exclusions. Former captain Babar Azam and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi are back, while Mohammad Rizwan finds himself out of the lineup. What does this mean for Pakistan's chances in the tournament?
Key Takeaways
- Babar Azam returns to the squad.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi is included despite injury concerns.
- Former captain Mohammad Rizwan has been excluded.
- Usman Khan is chosen as the wicketkeeper.
- Five spinners are part of the lineup.
Mumbai, Jan 3 (NationPress) The senior national selectors of Pakistan have included former captain Babar Azam, leading fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, and spinner Shadab Khan in a preliminary squad of 20 players for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Notably absent is Mohammad Rizwan, the former captain and wicketkeeper.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted this initial 20-player roster to the International Cricket Council (ICC), which will be ultimately trimmed to 15 by head coach Mike Hesson shortly, as reported on Saturday.
“The PCB met the January 7 deadline by submitting the preliminary squad of 20, and according to Hesson’s contract, he will finalize the 15-player team,” sources informed Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).
Many participating nations have already revealed their squads for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place from February 7, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
All teams have until January 31 to modify their squads, after which a committee can approve any replacements.
This tenth edition of the T20 International will run from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan set to play all its matches in Sri Lanka due to an agreement reached last year after the BCCI declined to send its team to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Sources confirmed to www.telecomasia.net that Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shadab Khan are included, while Rizwan has been omitted.
“Hesson believes Usman Khan will be a suitable choice as keeper, leading to Rizwan's exclusion, while Shaheen is anticipated to recover from a knee injury within two weeks,” the report indicated.
Babar's recent performance has bolstered his selection; he has scored two half-centuries for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL), which impressed the selectors. Interestingly, despite his injury, Shaheen Shah Afridi remains on the list.
Pakistan’s squad features five spinners: Shadab, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, and Maaz Sadaqat. Notably absent are spinner Sufiyan Muqeem and pacer Ahmed Danyal, both of whom showed potential with the senior team and Pakistan Shaheen.
After Azhar Ali stepped down from all roles, the PCB’s selection committee has been reduced to three members: Aqib Javed, Aameen Dar, and Asad, all of whom have equal voting rights without a chief selector.
Point of View
I believe that the selection of the squad reflects a strategic approach from the PCB. While the omission of Rizwan is surprising, it demonstrates the selectors' confidence in exploring new talent. The inclusion of seasoned players like Babar and Shaheen will be crucial for Pakistan's campaign in the T20 World Cup. We stand with the nation as we hope for a strong performance.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Mohammad Rizwan excluded from the squad?
The selectors have opted for Usman Khan as the wicketkeeper, believing he will perform better in the upcoming matches, which led to Rizwan's exclusion.
When will the final squad be announced?
The final 15-player squad will be finalized by head coach Mike Hesson shortly after the preliminary squad submission deadline of January 7.
Where will the T20 World Cup take place?
The T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Can teams make changes to their squads after the preliminary announcement?
Yes, teams can modify their squads until January 31, after which a committee will approve any replacements.
Who are the key players in the preliminary squad?
Key players include Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shadab Khan, among others.
