Pakistani cricketers have delivered an encouraging boost for fans as several players climbed sharply in the latest ICC T20I rankings, released just days before the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The update reflects Pakistan’s strong recent performances, especially during the home series against Australia.
Leading the charge is Saim Ayub, who has reclaimed the No 1 position among T20I all-rounders. The left-handed opener returned to the top spot after a dominant showing in Pakistan’s 3-0 whitewash of Australia, replacing Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza at the summit. According to the International Cricket Council, Ayub’s consistent contributions with both bat and ball earned him the top ranking at a crucial moment.
Ayub’s form could not have come at a better time. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, and Pakistan will be aiming to lift their second title and first since their historic triumph in 2009. During the Australia series, Ayub scored 119 runs and claimed three wickets, underlining his value as a genuine all-rounder.
Pakistan’s bowling unit also enjoyed notable gains in the ICC T20I rankings. Spinner Abrar Ahmed moved up two places to second among T20I bowlers, sitting just 28 rating points behind India’s Varun Chakravarthy. Abrar picked up six wickets in three matches, continuing his rise as a key weapon for Pakistan.
Another major mover was Mohammad Nawaz, who jumped eight places to seventh in the bowlers’ rankings after a five-wicket haul in the final match against Australia. Nawaz also climbed to fourth in the all-rounders’ rankings, further strengthening Pakistan’s spin depth.
In the batting rankings, Saim Ayub advanced eight spots to joint 27th, while Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha surged 12 places to 29th. Across the global rankings, India’s Abhishek Sharma maintained his lead at the top, with several players from England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and South Africa also making gains.
With momentum building and rankings improving, Pakistan enter the World Cup with renewed confidence, knowing strong performances could push their stars even higher in the ICC T20I rankings.
