Mohammad Rizwan: The Stunning Omission from Pakistan’s 2026 T20 World Cup Squad
The cricketing world is abuzz with one of the most surprising selection calls of the year. Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s former captain and one of the most consistent white-ball batters of the modern era, has been left out of the provisional 20-man squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. This bombshell comes despite Rizwan’s recent leadership success in ODIs and his formidable record, particularly against Australia. For Australian fans who have witnessed his grit firsthand, the omission is both shocking and a sign of major upheaval within the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Rizwan’s journey from a resilient wicketkeeper-batsman to a national leader and back to the sidelines is a dramatic tale of modern cricket’s fickle nature. As Pakistan sets its sights on the global tournament, the decision to sideline a player of his calibre raises immediate questions about team strategy, future dynamics, and the legacy of a man who has been a pillar of the side for years.
Rizwan’s Career at a Crossroads
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Mohammad Rizwan’s career has been defined by remarkable resilience and explosive growth. Taking over the T20I captaincy after Babar Azam stepped down, his leadership era was a rollercoaster. He was appointed ODI captain in November 2024 and enjoyed immediate success, securing series victories against Australia and South Africa. However, a disastrous 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, where Pakistan failed to progress, cost him the armband and, ultimately, his place in the T20 side. By October 2025, he was officially sacked, with Shaheen Afridi named the new T20I captain.
Biographical Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mohammad Rizwan |
| Date of Birth | 1 June 1992 |
| Birth Place | Peshawar, Pakistan |
| Primary Role | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Current Status (T20I) | Omitted from 2026 World Cup provisional squad |
A Closer Look at His Record in Australia
Australian crowds have seen the best of Rizwan. His ability to anchor an innings and accelerate under pressure has made him a formidable opponent on Australian soil. His stats down under reflect a player comfortable with the pace and bounce of Australian pitches.
Mohammad Rizwan’s Test Batting Record in Australia
| Year | Innings | Runs | Balls Faced | Outs | Average | Strike Rate | High Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 116 | 160 | 2 | 58.0 | 72.5 | 88 |
| Total | 8 | 370 | 558 | 8 | 46.25 | 66.3 | 88 |
His recent ODI form has also been stellar. In the 2024-25 series against Australia, skipper Rizwan was “nerveless,” playing a crucial role in a boundary-filled chase to secure a victory. Just weeks before the squad announcement, he was scoring fluent half-centuries against Sri Lanka, proving his touch was intact.
The 2026 World Cup Snub and Pakistan’s Schedule
The provisional squad submission to the ICC has sent shockwaves. While Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi were included, the selectors made the monumental call to exclude Rizwan. This decision overshadows Pakistan’s busy 2026 schedule, which begins with a T20I tour of Sri Lanka. The selected 20-man squad will soon be trimmed to 15 by head coach Mike Hesson, but Rizwan’s initial absence suggests his T20I international future is in serious doubt.
Pakistan’s Key 2026 Dates (Provisional)
| Series/Tournament | Opponent | Format | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start of Season | Sri Lanka | T20I Series | Away Tour |
| Major Tournament | T20 World Cup 2026 | T20I | Rizwan omitted from provisional squad |
Analyzing Rizwan’s T20 World Cup Pedigree
The omission is even more puzzling when considering Rizwan’s historical performance in T20 World Cups. He has been a standout performer for Pakistan on the biggest stage, with a phenomenal overall T20I average of 47.42.
T20 World Cup Performance by Year
| Year | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | High Score | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6 | 281 | 70.2 | 127.7 | 79 | 3 |
| 2024 | 4 | 110 | 27.5 | ~110 | 53 | 1 |
His 2021 tournament was nothing short of spectacular, solidifying his reputation as a big-game player. While the 2024 campaign was below his standards, his overall body of work in the format remains elite.
What Does the Future Hold?
For now, Mohammad Rizwan finds himself at a professional crossroads. While he may continue in the ODI setup, his exclusion from the T20 World Cup plans marks a significant shift. He remains a sought-after player in franchise leagues worldwide, including his stint with the Melbourne Renegades, and will likely channel his focus there. This decision by the PCB is a high-risk gamble. It either unlocks a new, more dynamic approach for Pakistan or leaves them desperately missing the stability and class that Rizwan provided at the top of the order when the World Cup pressure is on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Mohammad Rizwan dropped from Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad?
Rizwan was dropped following Pakistan’s poor performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he was captain. The new selection panel, under a changed PCB leadership, appears to be seeking a new direction for the T20 side, opting for different combinations at the top of the order and behind the stumps.
What is Mohammad Rizwan’s batting average in T20 Internationals?
Mohammad Rizwan boasts an exceptional T20I batting average of 47.42 with a strike rate of 125.38, making him one of the most consistent performers in the history of the format.
Will Mohammad Rizwan still play ODI cricket for Pakistan?
As of now, there is no indication he has been dropped from the ODI team. He was appointed ODI captain in late 2024 and led the team to series wins. His future in the 50-over format likely remains secure, separate from the T20I selection decisions.
Has Mohammad Rizwan played cricket in Australia?
Yes, he has played Test cricket in Australia. In the 2024 series, he scored 116 runs in two innings, including a high score of 88. He also played for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL).