Pakistan Announce T20 World Cup Squad: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi Return as Government Decision Looms

Pakistan have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, marking Babar Azam's complete reintegration into Pakistan's T20 cricket setup. However, the team's participation in the tournament remains contingent on government approval, adding a layer of uncertainty to their campaign.

Squad Announcement Comes Close to Deadline

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released the squad just a day after chairman Mohsin Naqvi cast doubt on the nation's participation in the tournament following Bangladesh's elimination. Despite the political uncertainty surrounding their involvement, the selectors fulfilled their responsibilities by naming the team close to the submission deadline.

Head coach Aaqib Javed addressed the situation directly, clarifying the separation between selection duties and participation decisions.

"We are selectors, and our job is to pick the team. We've announced the team very close to the deadline. The government will decide on our participation so I can say nothing on that front. That's what the chairman has said, too, so we'll wait for their decision."

Key Selections and Squad Composition

The squad bears striking similarity to the one announced for the bilateral T20I series against Australia starting January 29. Salman Agha has been named captain, leading a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent.

Star Players Return

Babar Azam's inclusion signals his complete return to Pakistan's T20 setup after previous uncertainty about his place in the shorter format. The former captain's experience and class at the top of the order will be crucial for Pakistan's World Cup aspirations.

Shaheen Shah Afridi spearheads the pace attack, bringing his left-arm pace and big-match experience to the squad. His ability to take wickets in the powerplay remains a vital asset for Pakistan.

Bowling Department Analysis

The pace battery looks formidable with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah forming the core. Salman Mirza provides additional seam bowling options, while the absence of Mohammad Wasim Jnr—the only change from the Australia T20I squad—suggests the selectors are prioritizing their frontline options.

The spin department features Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shadab Khan, offering variety with leg-spin, left-arm orthodox, and finger spin options. This combination provides tactical flexibility across different surfaces.

Wicketkeeping Options

Pakistan have selected three wicketkeeping options in the squad: Khawaja Nafay, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan. This depth ensures flexibility in the batting order while maintaining quality behind the stumps.

Full Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad

• Captain: Salman Agha
• Batters: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub
• All-rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan
• Wicketkeepers: Khawaja Nafay, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan
• Pace Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza
• Spinners: Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

What Lies Ahead

The immediate focus shifts to the upcoming T20I series against Australia beginning January 29, which will serve as crucial preparation for the World Cup. This series will provide valuable match practice and help the team build combinations ahead of the global event.

However, all cricketing preparations remain secondary to the pending government decision on Pakistan's participation. The cricket fraternity awaits clarity on whether this talented squad will get the opportunity to represent their nation at the T20 World Cup.

Until the government makes its decision, Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign remains in limbo—a situation that adds pressure but also demonstrates the complex intersection of sport and politics in international cricket.