Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed tops ICC T20I bowling rankings

Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed has claimed the ICC Men’s T20I No.1 bowling position, surpassing Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan. His recent displays at the 2026 T20 World Cup and a series against Australia boosted his rating to 736 points. The move highlights Pakistan’s growing influence in the shortest fo…

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 23 Sep 2026 18:00:46 GMT

In a stunning shift in the world’s T20I bowling hierarchy, Pakistan’s leg‑spinner Abrar Ahmed has ascended to the top of the ICC Men’s rankings. With a rating of 736 points, he edged out Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan by a single point, ending the Afghan star’s reign at the pinnacle of the list. The 28‑year‑old’s rise is a testament to a series of sharp performances in recent international fixtures.

How Abrar Achieved the Number One Spot

Ahmed’s climb to the summit was cemented by his exploits at the 2026 T20 World Cup, where he claimed six wickets across five matches. His most memorable spell came against Sri Lanka in Pakistan’s final group‑stage game, where he recorded figures of 3 for 23. He also took two wickets against the Netherlands and a single wicket against the United States, showcasing consistency against a range of opponents.

Earlier in the year, the spinner delivered a memorable series against Australia. In the third T20I in Lahore, he dismantled the Australian batting lineup with 3 for 14. He followed that with 2 for 10 in the next match and finished the series with 1 for 18. These figures, combined with his World Cup performances, pushed his rating to the top of the ICC list.

Pakistan’s Bowling Depth and Other Rising Stars

Ahmed’s promotion is part of a broader trend of Pakistani bowlers making their mark in the rankings. Mohammad Nawaz remains a prominent figure, sitting eighth among T20I bowlers with 658 points. Salman Mirza, once a key pacer for Pakistan, has slipped to 18th, while Shaheen Afridi is positioned at 33rd. The country’s bowling arsenal continues to evolve, with new talents stepping into the spotlight.

Pakistan’s batting side also features prominently in the rankings. Opener Sahibzada Farhan holds the third spot among T20I batters, boasting 848 points. He trails only India’s Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma, underscoring the competitive nature of the top echelons of international T20 cricket.

Implications for Pakistan Cricket and the Global T20 Scene

Ahmed’s ascent to the top spot brings a significant boost to Pakistan’s reputation in the shortest format. It signals that the nation’s spin bowlers are not only effective domestically but also capable of dominating on the world stage. For the ICC rankings, the shift underscores the fluidity of the T20I landscape, where a single series can alter the global hierarchy.

Looking ahead, Pakistan will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for upcoming tournaments and bilateral series. The country’s cricket board may use Ahmed’s success to promote spin bowling development programs, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for future international competitions.

What Happens Next?

With the ICC rankings now reflecting Ahmed’s new position, the next challenge lies in maintaining consistency against top-tier opposition. Pakistan’s schedule includes a series against England and a home series against New Zealand, both of which will test the spinner’s skill and endurance. Meanwhile, Rashid Khan, who slipped to second place, will be eager to reclaim his spot, adding an extra layer of competition to future fixtures.

For fans and analysts alike, the shift in rankings offers fresh narratives to follow. Whether it’s Ahmed’s potential to become the most successful Pakistani bowler in T20 history or the rivalry between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the spin department, the coming months promise plenty of intrigue.

Key facts

Abrar Ahmed becomes ICC T20I No.1 bowler
Surpassed Rashid Khan by one point
Key performances at 2026 T20 World Cup and Australia series
Pakistan’s bowling depth highlighted by Nawaz and Afridi
Pakistan opener Farhan ranks third among T20I batters
Upcoming series will test Ahmed’s consistency

Why it matters

Abrar Ahmed’s rise to the top of the ICC T20I bowling rankings showcases Pakistan’s growing prowess in spin bowling and signals a shift in the global T20 landscape, offering fresh narratives for fans and analysts alike.

Frequently asked questions

What does the ICC rating system measure?

The ICC rating reflects a player’s performance against international opponents, factoring in wickets taken, runs conceded, and the quality of opposition.