Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad announced unusually early

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has sent a strong and clear message ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. Salman has made it clear that they will stick with the current squad, and no major changes are expected for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

His confidence comes at a time when Pakistan has slowly rebuilt itself after the Asia Cup 2025 setback and finally found a combination that works for them in the shorter format of the game. Earlier this year, Pakistan hit the reset button after losing the 2025 Asia Cup final to India.

Salman Ali Agha locks in Pakistan's ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad

The team made bold decisions and brought in four key players—Abdul Samad, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, and Naseem Shah—to give the side a fresh start, and the results have been impressive. Pakistan defeated South Africa in a three-match T20I series and then lifted a Tri-series trophy involving Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, both at home.

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The new group showed fight, balance, and clarity, and Salman is against disturbing the T20I combo now. The skipper explained that every player in the squad had been given a specific role over the last few months, and that structure helped Pakistan grow as a team.

Salman Ali Agha said on a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) podcast: “In my personal opinion, I don't see any major changes in the national T20 squad before the World Cup. I think the current combination we have will be the one we will have in the World Cup. Every player had been given a specific role in recent months, and with that, the team had moved forward.”

Salman Ali Agha shuts the door on big changes ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026

With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 just weeks away, he feels there is no time left to experiment. Pakistan has only six more T20Is before the tournament begins, and the captain wants to move forward with the same formula that has been working at the moment.

Salman further stressed, “We have six T20 matches to play before the World Cup, and I don't think we can make any big changes now in these remaining matches. We have to show consistency and move forward with the current combination.”

Shadab Khan set for comeback with BBL as Salman Ali Agha keeps door wide open

One big talking point is the seasoned all-rounder Shadab Khan, who has been out of action since May due to a shoulder injury that required surgery in London. His recovery is now complete, and he is preparing to make his comeback through the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 in Australia.

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Speaking about the chances of his return to the T20I side, Salman made it clear that Shadab’s experience is still crucial, and the “doors remain open” for him.

Salman Ali Aghan calls the Sri Lanka tour a game-changer before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Well, the skipper is already dreaming big at the moment, as he wants to win both the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and the ICC World Cup 2027. Before the global tournament, the Men in Green will play a three-match T20 series in Sri Lanka next month.

Salman believes that this series will be extremely valuable since all their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 matches will take place in Sri Lanka. Getting used to the conditions, pitches, and weather will be a major advantage as Pakistan aims for the second T20 World title.