The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially released the Pakistan T20 squad list 2026 today, January 23. This 16-member selection is for the high-octane three-match series against Australia at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. As the T20 World Cup approaches, selectors have opted for a blend of experienced superstars and exciting new faces.
Babar Azam T20 Return News
The biggest headline for fans is the official Babar Azam T20 return news. After missing the recent away series against Sri Lanka, Babar returns to bolster the top order. His comeback is seen as vital for stabilizing the batting unit. Fans are eager to see him back at his favorite venue in Lahore.
Shaheen Afridi Injury Update 2026
In more positive news, the Shaheen Afridi injury update 2026 confirms the left-arm pacer is fully fit. Shaheen suffered a minor knee niggle during the Big Bash League earlier this month. However, he successfully cleared fitness tests at the National Cricket Academy. He is now ready to lead a pace attack that includes Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jnr.
Gaddafi Stadium Match Timings and Schedule
The PCB has also issued a crucial update regarding the Gaddafi Stadium match timings. To account for the winter weather and potential fog in Lahore, all matches will now start earlier.
-
1st T20I: Thursday, 29 January β 4:00 PM PKT
-
2nd T20I: Saturday, 31 January β 4:00 PM PKT
-
3rd T20I: Sunday, 1 February β 4:00 PM PKT
The toss for each match will take place at 3:30 PM PKT. This shift ensures the matches conclude before heavy fog typically descends on the city.
Full Pakistan 16-Member Squad:
-
Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
-
Babar Azam
-
Shaheen Shah Afridi
-
Shadab Khan
-
Fakhar Zaman
-
Saim Ayub
-
Naseem Shah
-
Abrar Ahmed
-
Mohammad Nawaz
-
Usman Tariq
-
Mohammad Wasim Jnr
-
Faheem Ashraf
-
Usman Khan (wk)
-
Sahibzada Farhan (wk)
-
Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk)
-
Mohammad Salman Mirza
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report Today
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch report today indicates a surface that will favor stroke-makers but offer turn for spinners. With the 4:00 PM start, the ball may grip more in the first innings during the daylight.
Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed will lead a strong spin-bowling contingent. They will aim to exploit these conditions against a powerful Australian batting lineup. For more insights on team strategies, check our T20 World Cup preparation guide.
This series is the final opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their combinations. To stay updated on player availability, visit our latest cricket injury updates page.
