LAHORE: Skipper of Pakistan cricket team Salman Agha has expressed optimism that the team would try to come up to the expectations of the nation in the mega event of T20.
“We are completely ready for the event,” Salman said while talking to the media, here on Sunday. He said the boys worked hard and would show better results.
PCB Director High Performance and member PCB men’s Selection Committee, Aqib Javed said that the team had made full preparations for the World Cup and the boys would show their best.
Pakistan who is the 2009 champions will play all of their matches in Sri Lanka as per the “Fusion Formula,” which states that Pakistan or India will not visit each other for any ICC tournaments for three years and will instead play their respective matches at a neutral venue. If Pakistan progresses to the semi-finals and final, both knockout matches will be hosted in Colombo.
Otherwise, the semi-finals and final will take place in Kolkata and Ahmedabad, respectively.
When asked about Haris Rauf and his performance in the Big Bash League (BBL), Javed said that the pacer had served Pakistan for a long time, but in recent matches, a different combination was chosen. In other way he justified his exclusion.Mohammad Rizwan, who was sidelined from the national T20 squad since December 2024, will be missing his first T20 World Cup after featuring in three editions in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Aqib said, “We are playing our matches in Sri Lanka, and we finalised the squad based on the conditions there.”
On Babar’s inclusion, the PCB director of high performance said, “definitely, he is the most consistent batsman,” and has a specific role in the team. He said that Babar Azam played an important role depending on conditions.
“During the last Asia Cup, we felt the team needed a player who could perform in challenging situations. It’s a specific role, especially considering the conditions in Sri Lanka,” Aqib explained.
Responding to a question regarding omission of Rizwan, White ball head coach Hesson said that they are looking for a wicket-keeper who can bat in the middle or lower-middle order. “Rizwan is a top-order batter, and there is no spot in that role for a wicket-keeper,” he opined.
Hesson also lauded Usman Khan, who is set to make his second appearance in the T20 World Cup, calling his performance “exceptional” since his comeback. “His wicketkeeping has probably bigger than expected, especially the way he kept in Sri Lanka,” Hesson added.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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