Pakistan names 15-player T20 World Cup squad after boycott scare
Pakistan names 15-player T20 World Cup squad after boycott scare
Pakistan confirms a 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, reversing earlier boycott threats as the team eyes success from Lahore.
Pakistan has announced its 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, confirming participation after earlier uncertainty about a possible boycott. The decision comes as the national team seeks to balance experience with fresh talent ahead of the global tournament.
The announcement was made at a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore by High Performance Director Aqib Javed, captain Salman Ali Agha, and white-ball head coach Michael James Hesson. This marks a reversal of board chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s remarks about a withdrawal following Bangladesh's refusal to participate due to security concerns. The team management stressed that the decision to participate keeps the focus on cricket and the opportunity to compete on cricket’s biggest stage.
The selection committee kept faith with the core group that was set to face Australia in a home series starting 29 January in Lahore, with medium-pacer Mohammad Wasim junior the sole omission.
The 15 names include Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (Wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (Wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (Wicketkeeper), and Usman Tariq.
The squad features two specialist spinners, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq, the latter touted as a mystery spinner with limited international exposure. Spin all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, and Saim Ayub add depth, while Khawaja Nafay is a relatively new batsman to ICC events.
Six players—Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Nafay, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Tariq—will be making their first major ICC event. The team management emphasized continuity and belief in experienced performers to lead the challenge against top sides.
As Pakistan navigates security concerns and governance questions, the decision to participate keeps the focus squarely on cricket, with fans hoping for a strong run at the title.
