LAHORE (Kashmir English): Final deliberations on Pakistan’s squad for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup and the upcoming home T20I series against Australia are expected later this week, according to the sources.
They said white-ball head coach Mike Hesson is set to arrive in Lahore after Pakistan has concluded its Sri Lanka tour.
Once the consultation is completed, the squad will be announced with the approval of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
According to the officials, the PCB has already submitted a preliminary list of players to the International governing body, ICC, for the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.
However, it is understood that the PCB can make changes to the submitted list without ICC approval until January 31.
Members of the national T20I squad have returned home after completing the series in Sri Lanka.
Head coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha are likely to hold final discussions with the selectors before the squad is finalised.
According to sources, the probable players include captain Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed.
Players under consideration are Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Salman Mirza and Khawaja Nafay, while Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Usman Tariq are likely to be named among the reserve players.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board Wednesday announced the dates for Australia’s T20I tour of Pakistan. The series will be played later this month ahead of the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup in February.
Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host all three matches on January 29, 31 and February 1, PCB said in a statement. The toss will take place at 5:30pm and matches will begin at 6pm.
Series schedule
1st T20I: January 29; 6pm
2nd T20I: January 31; 6pm
3rd T20I: February 1; 6pm
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign
Pakistan, the 2009 champions, will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.
They will face the USA on February 10, followed by matches against arch-rivals India on February 15 and Namibia on February 18 in their final group-stage match.
It is pertinent to note that Pakistan will play all of their matches in Sri Lanka.
