Pakistan’s strongest playing 11 for T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan are drawn into group A of T20 World Cup 2026, which also features India.

Pakistan have long been one of cricket’s most unpredictable sides, and same will be the case for them in T20 World Cup 2026. The Men in Green weren’t even able to get past the group stage in the last T20 World Cup, which was held in the USA and the West Indies.

The result was something nobody expected. It also raised plenty of questions on the team and heading into this tournament, the focus is clearly on turning things around.

That intent is visible in the squad selection, which features hard-hitting batters and skillful spinners, who can change the course of the match in no time.  They are drawn in Group A with India, Namibia, the USA and the Netherlands. 

With that context, here is a look at Pakistan’s strongest possible playing XI for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan’s strongest playing 11 for T20 World Cup 2026

1. Sahibzada Farhan

Sahibzada Farhan will open the innings for Pakistan; he has quietly made the opening spot his own. It is quite clear from the fact that he has looked far more assured in big games. His twin fifties against India in the Asia Cup 2025 gave Pakistan exactly what they wanted from an opener. It is fair to say that if Farhan settles in early, Pakistan usually gets the start that they need.

2. Saim Ayub

Saim Ayub will likely partner with Farhan at the top of the order. The left-hander plays with freedom and does not wait to assess conditions. His ability to take the bowlers right from the start and also chip in with ball makes him a valuable asset for Pakistan.

3. Salman Agha

The number three position will be occupied by Pakistan’s captain, Salman Agha. The 32-year-old all-rounder has the invaluable experience and composure that will come in handy for them in the middle order. Agha is not just only a capable batter, but also a player, who can stabilize the innings or accelerate when needed. Men in Green fans can’t forget his 12-ball 45 against Sri Lanka recently. He also provides handy off-spin options alongside his batting.

4. Babar Azam

Former skipper Babar Azam is likely to be slotted at the crucial number four position. Although Azam has struggled with poor form and has been in and out of the national T20I side, nobody can deny the fact that he is one of the finest batters in world cricket and can anchor an innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking. 

5. Fakhar Zaman

Arguably, Fakhar Zaman is the most explosive player for Pakistan. The left-handed batsman has a reputation for smashing the living daylights out of bowlers and sending the ball flying all over the park. He’s also got the skills to float about in the middle order, depending on what the game needs. He’s done his bit in big ICC tournaments before, so that’s got to be worth something for Pakistan.

6. Mohammad Nawaz

Mohammad Nawaz will play a dual role as a batting all-rounder and left-arm spinner. He’s 32 now and has proven himself time and time again in the world of T20 cricket. He can make a telling contribution with his bat, and even with his bowling; his strike rate of over 130 combined with an economy rate of under 7.5 could be the difference in some big games

7. Usman Khan (wk)

Usman Khan will don the wicketkeeping gloves while also providing firepower in the lower middle order. The right-handed batter-keeper has impressed with his clean striking and ability to accelerate in the final overs. 

8. Shadab Khan

Shadab Khan is a vital cog in Pakistan’s wheel, as he offers twin services with bat and ball. The 27-year-old has often been the difference when Pakistan has gone on to do well in big games. He recently made a comeback to the side and will hold key for his team in tournament.

9. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is going to be the spearhead of Pakistan’s pace attack. He’s one of the most feared quicks in the world of cricket, as he can swing the new ball and then nail down those yorkers towards the end of an innings.

10. Abrar Ahmed

Abrar Ahmed brings a bit of mystery spin to Pakistan’s arsenal. The right-arm leg-spinner has been making a big impression in international cricket with his variations and ability to deceive the batters. If he can get into a partnership with Shadab Khan in the spin department, that could be the key on those Sri Lankan pitches that are sort of expected to be a bit more favorable to the slower bowlers. 

11. Naseem Shah

Naseem Shah will complete Pakistan’s pace battery alongside Shaheen Afridi. The young right-arm fast bowler has matured and now possesses the skills to trouble batters with his pace and accuracy.

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