Key points
- Usman praised for batting and keeping
- Strong performance in Australia T20I series
- Pakistan to skip India match February 15
LAHORE: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has confirmed that Usman Khan will be the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Speaking at a post-match press conference, Salman praised Usman’s ability to deliver with both bat and gloves, stressing his importance in the side’s balance.
“Our Usman is the number one wicketkeeper,” Salman said, highlighting his match-winning contributions in recent games.
Usman has played 31 T20Is for Pakistan, scoring 414 runs at a strike rate of 120.69, including two half-centuries.
In the recently concluded Australia series, he scored a vital 53 off 36 balls to help Pakistan post a strong total of 198/5.
Khawaja Nafay
Khawaja Nafay, who made his debut last month, is also part of the World Cup squad.
Nafay has featured in two T20Is so far, scoring 47 runs at an impressive strike rate of 174.07.
Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the USA and Namibia.
Meanwhile, the Government of Pakistan has approved the team’s participation in the tournament but announced Pakistan will not take the field against India in their scheduled group match on February 15.
