Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad Announced: Babar Azam Included, Haris Rauf Omitted

Pakistan has announced its 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, but the team’s participation in the tournament is still awaiting final clearance from government authorities. The selection, coming just ahead of the ICC’s official deadline, highlights both continuity and notable changes, with Babar Azam earning a recall and Haris Rauf missing out.

Squad Announcement Amid Uncertainty

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released the squad a day after chairman Mohsin Naqvi cast doubt on Pakistan’s involvement following Bangladesh’s elimination from the event. Despite this uncertainty, chief selector Aaqib Javed clarified that the selectors’ role is limited to naming the best-possible team, while the decision to participate ultimately rests with the government.

“Our responsibility is to select the squad. The government will decide if we compete in the tournament,” Javed stated, reinforcing the separation between team selection and political considerations.

Key Inclusions and Omissions

The announced squad closely mirrors the lineup chosen for the recent T20I series against Australia, with only Mohammad Wasim Jnr missing from that group. The selection process was constrained by the looming ICC deadline, leaving little opportunity to assess performances in the ongoing Australian series. As a result, Haris Rauf-despite being the leading wicket-taker in the Big Bash League-has not made the cut for the World Cup squad.

Babar Azam’s Return

Babar Azam is set to compete in his fourth T20 World Cup, though for the first time, he will not be leading the side. His recent stint in the Big Bash League was underwhelming, amassing 202 runs from 11 innings at a strike rate of 103.06-the lowest for any player with over 200 runs in a BBL season. Despite on-field challenges and public debate about his place, Babar remains a key figure in Pakistan’s batting lineup. The T20 World Cup will see Salman Agha take over captaincy duties.

Haris Rauf’s Exclusion

Haris Rauf’s omission is a significant talking point. His last T20I appearance came during the Asia Cup final against India in September, where an expensive late spell contributed to Pakistan’s defeat. Since then, he has seen his standing within the team decline, despite strong domestic performances.

Squad Composition and Tactical Choices

With the tournament set to take place in Sri Lanka, Pakistan has opted to bolster its spin attack. The squad includes four specialist spinners: Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq. The pace attack will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Naseem Shah. The team’s balance reflects expectations of spin-friendly conditions and a strategic shift from previous series.

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Squad

Salman Agha (captain)
Abrar Ahmed
Babar Azam
Faheem Ashraf
Fakhar Zaman
Khawaja Nafay (wk)
Mohammad Nawaz
Salman Mirza
Naseem Shah
Sahibzada Farhan (wk)
Saim Ayub
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Shadab Khan
Usman Khan (wk)
Usman Tariq

World Cup Opener Awaits, Pending Approval

Pakistan is scheduled to play the tournament’s opening match against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo. However, their participation remains contingent on government approval in light of recent political developments. Cricket fans and players alike now await official confirmation regarding the team’s appearance on the world stage.