ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Irfan Pathan Predicts Pakistan in Semi-Finals

Former India pacer Irfan Pathan has sparked a massive debate by naming Pakistan as a top contender for the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-finals. While other experts lean toward New Zealand and South Africa, Pathan believes the “Fusion Formula” and Sri Lankan conditions favor the Men in Green.

Irfan Pathan is standing on an island. While heavyweights like Robin Uthappa, Suresh Raina, and Anil Kumble chose the usual favorites, Pathan is the only one backing Pakistan to reach the final four. He joins them with India, Australia, and England in his predicted knockout bracket.

The tournament kicks off on February 7, and Pakistan’s path is unlike any other team. Because of the ICC Fusion Formula, they will play every single match in Sri Lanka. If they make it to the semi-finals or the final, they won’t travel to India; those knockout games will move to Colombo just for them.

Pakistan starts their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7. They then face the USA (Feb 10) before the massive clash against India on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Captain Salman Ali Agha has already confirmed he will bat at No. 3 to keep the pressure on.

Pakistan’s Confirmed 15-Man Squad

The PCB has locked in a balanced squad led by Salman Ali Agha. Key names include:

• Batting Pillars: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub.
• Pace Attack: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Salman Mirza.
• Spin Options: Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Usman Tariq.

Key Fixtures to Track

• Feb 7: vs Netherlands (Colombo)
• Feb 15: vs India (The Big One – Colombo)
• March 8: The Grand Final (Ahmedabad or Colombo)