ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will step up preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday as players assemble in Lahore ahead of a three-match T20 International series against Australia later this month.
The series, to be played at Gaddafi Stadium on January 29 and 31 and February 1, is being viewed by team management as a key checkpoint in Pakistan’s build-up to the World Cup, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
The Pakistan Cricket Board announced a 16-member squad on Friday, blending senior experience with younger options as Pakistan fine-tunes combinations and roles ahead of the global tournament.
Former captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi return to the T20I setup after missing the recent home series against Sri Lanka, which ended in a 1–1 draw. Their inclusion is expected to strengthen both Pakistan’s batting core and bowling attack as the team sharpens its World Cup plans.
All-rounder Salman Ali Agha will lead the side, while Shadab Khan continues his return to form and is expected to play a central role in Pakistan’s spin options alongside Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq.
Team officials said the squad and support staff would assemble in Lahore on Saturday, with training sessions scheduled to begin the following day. Australia are due to arrive in Pakistan on January 28, marking only their second T20I series on Pakistani soil after a one-off match in April 2022, also in Lahore.
Pakistan and Australia are using the series to test combinations ahead of the World Cup, where Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, the United States, the Netherlands and Namibia. Australia will compete in Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman.
Historically, the two sides have met 28 times in T20 internationals, with Australia winning 14 matches and Pakistan 12, while one match ended in a tie and one produced no result.
The PCB said the upcoming series would allow Pakistan to assess player form, workload management and tactical flexibility as attention increasingly shifts towards the World Cup challenge.
Background: Pakistan Squad for Australia T20I Series
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper) and Usman Tariq.
Player Support Personnel:
Naveed Akram Cheema (Team Manager), Mike Hesson (Head Coach), Ashley Noffke (Bowling Coach), Shane McDermott (Fielding Coach), Hanif Malik (Batting Coach), Cliffe Deacon (Physiotherapist), Grant Luden (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Talha Ejaz (Performance Analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmed (Media Manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (Security Manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (Team Doctor), Dr Raheel Karim (Psychiatrist) and Muhammad Ehsan (Masseur)
Series Schedule (All Matches at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore):
- 1st T20I: Thursday, 29 January – 4:00 PM PKT
- 2nd T20I: Saturday, 31 January – 4:00 PM PKT
- 3rd T20I: Sunday, 1 February – 4:00 PM PKT
