The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the schedule and team squads for the National T20 Cup 2026. The tournament will take place in Peshawar from March 7 to March 18.
The domestic event will feature ten regional teams from across Pakistan. These teams will compete in a fast-paced tournament that highlights emerging cricket talent. However, the biggest talking point is the absence of Babar Azam from the competition.
According to the PCB, Babar Azam has not been included in the National T20 Cup squads. The decision comes soon after the star batter was also excluded from Pakistan’s ODI squad for the Bangladesh series.
The National T20 Cup remains one of Pakistan’s most important domestic tournaments. It provides young players a chance to prove their abilities and push for national selection.
Teams divided into two groups
The PCB has divided the participating teams into two groups for the group stage.
Group A includes:
- Lahore Whites
- Peshawar
- Faisalabad
- Karachi Whites
- Bahawalpur
Group B includes:
- Lahore Blues (defending champions)
- Sialkot
- Multan
- Abbottabad
- Karachi Blues
Defending champions Lahore Blues will begin the tournament aiming to retain their title. Several strong regional sides are expected to provide tough competition.
Two matches scheduled daily
The PCB has planned a packed schedule for the event. Two matches will be played each day during the group stage. The same format will also apply during the semi-final stage.
Officials say this format will keep the competition exciting and competitive. It also allows teams to play multiple matches within a short period.
Attention on Babar Azam’s omission
The exclusion of Babar Azam has attracted strong reactions from cricket fans. Many consider him one of Pakistan’s most consistent batters in recent years.
The omission follows the recent announcement of Pakistan’s ODI squad for the Bangladesh tour. In that squad, both Babar Azam and young batter Saim Ayub were left out.
Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead Pakistan in the ODI format. The team will play a three-match ODI series in Dhaka.
Several players have been included in the squad for the Bangladesh tour. These include Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, and Haris Rauf.
Other players named in the squad include Hussain Talat, Moaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan, and Mohammad Wasim Junior. Young players Shamil Hussain, Mohammad Ghazi Ghauri, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, and Salman Ali Agha are also part of the lineup.
In other news read more about: Sarfaraz Ahmed Set to Become Pakistan Test Team Head Coach
Cricket experts believe the selection decisions indicate a possible shift in team strategy. The upcoming matches may provide opportunities for new players to establish themselves at the international level.
