Fast bowler Haris Rauf is likely to be left out of the Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad for 2026, sources said on Tuesday. Rauf last played a T20I for Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final against India, where he struggled to contain runs.
In that match, the right-arm pacer conceded 50 runs in 3.4 overs without taking a wicket. Pakistan lost the final as India successfully chased 147 runs in 19.4 overs, winning by five wickets. Reports suggest that head coach Mike Hesson is not in favor of including Rauf in the squad.
Despite being Pakistan’s leading T20I wicket-taker with 133 wickets in 94 matches, Rauf is currently playing for Melbourne Stars in Australia’s Big Bash League. His form in international cricket is reportedly a key factor in the selection decision.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted a preliminary list of players to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the tournament. The final Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad can still be revised without ICC approval until January 31. Consultations are ongoing, particularly ahead of Pakistan’s home T20I series against Australia.
Probable squad members include captain Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan, and Abrar Ahmed. Other possible inclusions are Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, and Khawaja Nafay. Reserves likely include Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Usman Tariq.
Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands, and Namibia. All group-stage matches will be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The campaign begins against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by the USA on February 10, India on February 15, and Namibia on February 18. Super Eight matches will be held in Colombo and Kandy.
In other related news also read Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
Selection decisions, including the potential exclusion of Rauf, are expected to impact team strategy for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign. The PCB aims to finalize the Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad while balancing experience and current form.
