LAHORE: Pakistan’s national squad has departed from Lahore for Sri Lanka to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
According to details, the Pakistani players will observe complete rest today and tomorrow after arriving in Sri Lanka. The national team is scheduled to play a warm-up match against Ireland on February 4.
The 15-member squad includes Captain Salman Ali Agha, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Muhammad Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, and Usman Tariq.
It is pertinent to note that the decision for Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup came following an important meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held in Lahore a day earlier.
During the meeting, detailed consultations were carried out regarding Pakistan’s participation in the mega event.
The Government of Pakistan has formally approved the national team’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
However, the government has clarified that while Pakistan will take part in the tournament, the national team will not play its scheduled match against India during the World Cup.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board has also unveiled the national team’s new jersey for the T20 World Cup 2026, marking preparations for the global event.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) introduced the national men’s team’s official T20 World Cup kit on after the third and final T20 international against Australia.
A special post-match ceremony was held in which captain Salman Ali Agha and other players were seen wearing the newly launched jersey.
The green-colored Pakistan T20 World Cup jersey has been named the “Markhor Edition,” symbolizing strength, resilience, and national pride.
It is worth noting that the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has announced a boycott of its scheduled match against India on February 15.
