As the 2026 T20 World Cup approaches, Pakistan’s team management faces a familiar and critical dilemma: choosing the right wicketkeeper for the mega event.
With uncertainty surrounding Mohammad Rizwan’s role, Pakistan currently lacks a clear first-choice wicketkeeper in its likely 15-member squad.
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This has sparked debate among fans and experts, as several options are available but none come without question marks.
Here is a look at the main contenders.
Usman Khan
The 30-year-old has earned national selection through consistent domestic performances and visible improvement over time.
While his talent is evident, Usman has struggled to replicate his domestic impact at the international level.
That gap between local success and international consistency remains his biggest challenge ahead of World Cup selection.
Usman has played 29 T20Is for Pakistan, scoring 343 runs at an average of 18.05 and a strike rate of 117.06.
Khawaja Nafay
Nafay has caught attention with his batting skills and calm approach at the crease.
However, wicketkeeping is not his primary role.
READ: Former Pakistan captain questions wicketkeeping options for T20 World Cup
He has only served as a temporary option behind the stumps, and his limited experience at the highest level raises concerns about his readiness for a high-pressure tournament like the T20 World Cup.
He has played only one T20I for Pakistan, making his debut against Sri Lanka in the third T20I and scoring 26 off 15 balls.
Sahibzada Farhan
Farhan’s place as an aggressive opening batter appears secure, but his wicketkeeping credentials are minimal.
He has rarely kept wickets, doing so only twice in domestic cricket due to necessity when first choice wicketkeeper were unavailable.
His lack of regular experience behind the stumps makes him an unlikely long-term option.
Mohammad Rizwan
Purely in terms of wicketkeeping, Rizwan remains Pakistan’s most reliable choice.
His skills behind the stumps are widely respected.
READ: Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad set to be finalized
However, his recent T20 batting form has drawn criticism, particularly regarding strike rate and limited shot selection.
With opening slots largely settled, fitting Rizwan into the XI has become increasingly difficult, especially as opponents seem well-prepared for him.
He has not played a T20I for Pakistan since 2024.
Mohammad Haris
Haris once looked like Pakistan’s future wicketkeeper-batter, especially after the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Since then, his aggressive, high-risk approach has delivered mixed results.
He has been tried in multiple roles across the batting order, but consistency has remained elusive.
While some believe he has not been given a stable role, others feel his weaknesses have been exposed at the international level.
His last T20I appearance for Pakistan came in the Asia Cup 2025 final, where he was dismissed on the second ball without scoring and also missed a simple run-out chance of Tilak Varma.
With no standout candidate emerging, Pakistan’s wicketkeeping decision for the T20 World Cup 2026 remains open.
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The final decision may depend on team balance, batting position, and the overall strategy in the month leading up to the tournament.
