The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to hold final consultations later this week to shape Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the upcoming home T20I series against Australia.
According to Geo Super, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson will arrive in Lahore following the conclusion of Pakistan’s T20I tour of Sri Lanka.
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Once discussions are completed, the final squad will be announced with the approval of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The PCB has already submitted a preliminary list of players to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
However, changes can still be made to that list without ICC approval until January 31.
Members of the national T20I squad are returning to Pakistan today following the series in Sri Lanka.
Hesson and T20I captain Salman Ali Agha are expected to hold detailed meetings with the selectors before finalising the squad.
According to the reports, the list of probable players include Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed.
READ: Pakistan schedule for ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Dates, Matches, Venues
Other players being considered are Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Salman Mirza and Khawaja Nafay.
Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Usman Tariq are likely to be named among the reserve players.
Meanwhile, the PCB has shared a proposed schedule for Australia’s T20I tour of Pakistan with Cricket Australia.
Reports further stated that the two draft itineraries have been sent for a three-match T20I series.
Under the proposed plans, Australia could arrive in Pakistan on either January 26 or 27, with departure scheduled for February 2 or 3.
The series is expected to feature two back-to-back matches, followed by a one-day break before the third and final T20I.
Tentative dates for the matches are January 29 and 31, while the final game is likely to be played on February 1.
Pakistan, who won the T20 World Cup in 2009, will begin their 2026 campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.
They will then face the USA on February 10, arch-rivals India on February 15, and Namibia on February 18 in their final group match.
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All of Pakistan’s group-stage matches will be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The Pakistan’s Super Eight matches will also be held in Colombo and Kandy.
