Haris Rauf likely to be dropped from Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad
KARACHI: Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf is unlikely to be part of the national squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, with sources indicating that he will be omitted from the final 15-member team for the mega event scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka.
Sources told MegaNews.tv that Haris Rauf likely to be dropped from Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad following concerns raised by head coach Mike Hesson, who is reportedly not in favour of the pacer’s inclusion after his costly performance in the Asia Cup 2025 final against India.
Rauf last represented Pakistan in the T20 format during the Asia Cup final in September 2025, where he conceded 50 runs in 3.4 overs without claiming a wicket. Pakistan went on to lose the match as India successfully chased down a modest 147-run target in 19.4 overs with five wickets in hand to lift the title.
Despite being Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals with 133 wickets in 94 matches, Rauf’s recent form and consistency have raised questions within the team management. Coach Mike Hesson is understood to have expressed reservations about the pacer’s effectiveness in high-pressure matches, particularly against top-ranked opposition.
Haris Rauf is currently playing in Australia’s Big Bash League, representing Melbourne Stars, but his overseas performances have reportedly not been enough to convince selectors to retain him for the World Cup squad.
Earlier, Geo News reported that consultations were underway between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the team management regarding the squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 and the upcoming home T20I series against Australia.
The PCB has already submitted a preliminary list of players to the ICC for the tournament. However, sources confirmed that changes can still be made to the list without ICC approval until January 31, leaving room for last-minute adjustments.
Probable players for the tournament include 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, while 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 USA, the Netherlands and Namibia. The Men in Green will play all their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan will kick off their T20 World Cup 2026 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.
All Group A fixtures will be held in Colombo, while Super Eight matches are scheduled in Colombo and Kandy as Pakistan aim to reclaim global T20 glory amid growing scrutiny over squad selection decisions.
