Fast bowler Haris Rauf is likely to miss out on selection for Pakistan’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8 across India and Sri Lanka.
According to Geo News, Rauf is not expected to be included in the 15-member squad being finalised for the marquee tournament. The right-arm pacer last represented Pakistan in the T20 format during the Asia Cup 2025 final against India and has not featured in the team since.
Reports further revealed that Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson is not in favour of Rauf’s selection following his costly outing in the Asia Cup final in September 2025. In that match, Rauf conceded 50 runs in 3.4 overs without claiming a wicket, as India chased down a modest 147-run target in 19.4 overs to lift the trophy.
Despite being Pakistan’s most prolific wicket-taker in T20 internationals — with 133 wickets in 94 matches — Rauf’s recent form and economy rate in high-pressure games have reportedly raised concerns within the team management.
The pacer is currently playing in Australia’s Big Bash League, where he is representing the Melbourne Stars.
Meanwhile, consultations are ongoing regarding Pakistan’s final squad for the T20 World Cup and the upcoming home T20I series against Australia. The Pakistan Cricket Board has already submitted a preliminary list of players to the International Cricket Council, although changes can still be made without ICC approval until January 31.
Sources indicate that the probable squad includes captain Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan, and Abrar Ahmed.
Other players under consideration are Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, and Khawaja Nafay. Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Usman Tariq are expected to be named among the reserve players.
Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, the United States, the Netherlands, and Namibia. All of Pakistan’s group-stage matches will be played in Sri Lanka.
The Men in Green will begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the USA on February 10, arch-rivals India on February 15, and Namibia on February 18. Pakistan’s Super Eight fixtures, if qualified, will be held in Colombo and Kandy.
