What’s clear on the T20 World Cup ’26 is that Pakistan’s cricketing footprint extends far past its personal nationwide group
Sikandar Raza has been instrumental for Lahore Qalandars within the ongoing HBL PSL10. Picture: PCB
As Pakistan face the US of their T20 World Cup 2026 match, the highlight shouldn’t be solely on the competition itself but in addition on an intriguing subplot of contemporary worldwide cricket.
Whereas Pakistan area their greatest XI, the USA squad contains three gamers who have been born in Pakistan however are actually representing American cricket on the worldwide stage.
The ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026, being staged in India and Sri Lanka, options not simply conventional powerhouses but in addition affiliate nations reminiscent of the US, the Netherlands, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and Italy.
What stands out on this version is the unprecedented presence of Pakistani or Pakistani-origin cricketers throughout a number of groups. At the very least eight groups within the match embody gamers who have been both born in Pakistan or have robust household roots there.
For some, this development highlights the depth of Pakistan’s cricketing expertise pool. For others, it raises uncomfortable questions in regards to the nation’s home construction and pathways to the nationwide group.
Pakistani affect throughout affiliate groups
The USA squad contains quick bowler Ali Khan, who not too long ago dismissed India’s Abhishek Sharma for a golden duck, alongside pacer Mohammad Mohsin and batter Shayan Jahangir. Comparable tales may be discovered throughout affiliate nations.
Oman, the Netherlands, the UAE, Canada, and Italy have all benefited from Pakistani expertise.
Canada not too long ago fielded left-arm spinner Saad bin Zafar and pacer Kaleem Sana, whereas Italy handed alternatives to quick bowler Ali Hassan.
The UAE squad reportedly contains a minimum of 9 gamers of Pakistani origin, together with captain Mohammad Waseem.
Maybe probably the most outstanding instance stays Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s captain. In a single current match, as many as eight such gamers have been on the sphere on the identical time—but Pakistan weren’t one of many groups concerned. Raza was enjoying in opposition to an Oman facet that featured seven Pakistani or Pakistani-origin gamers.
He has typically mentioned that he solely found his ardour for cricket after transferring overseas and learning in England, finally forging a profitable worldwide profession away from Pakistan.
Even amongst full-member nations, the affect is clear. England’s leg-spin division is led by Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, each of Pakistani heritage, with household roots in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir.
Why do gamers transfer on?
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Atiq-uz-Zaman believes governance points are a key issue. Talking to BBC Urdu, he argued that cricket in Pakistan is now not seen as a safe profession for the reason that finish of departmental cricket.
“When departments existed, gamers had jobs and stability. Since that system ended, many gifted cricketers now not see a future,” he mentioned, including that merit-based choice stays a significant concern.
Nonetheless, former selectors Haroon Rasheed and Salahuddin Sallu disagree with inserting the blame solely on the Pakistan Cricket Board. They argue that gifted gamers do get alternatives, however fierce competitors means not everybody could make the nationwide facet.
Additionally they level to the ICC’s position in creating cricket in rising nations, the place skilled gamers from South Asia and the Caribbean are inspired to play and coach, typically in change for residency or citizenship.
Expertise surplus or inevitable migration?
Author Waheed Khan believes Pakistan’s sheer recognition of cricket is the largest issue. “Solely 11 gamers can play for the nationwide group. Many succesful cricketers miss out just because somebody even higher is already there,” he defined, citing examples from previous eras the place excellent gamers have been overshadowed by legends.
From Sikandar Raza to Imran Tahir, historical past means that migration shouldn’t be all the time about rejection, however about alternative. What is evident on the T20 World Cup 2026 is that Pakistan’s cricketing footprint extends far past its personal nationwide group.
