Star Pakistan Pacer Could Miss Out on T20 World Cup 2026 Squad – Haris Rauf Case Explained
Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have taken a surprising turn, as reports suggest that star fast bowler Haris Rauf may not be part of the final squad. The mega tournament will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026, and squad discussions are currently in their decisive phase.
According to sources close to the Pakistan team management, the exclusion of Haris Rauf is being seriously considered, with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson reportedly not fully convinced about the pacer’s inclusion in the final XI. While no official confirmation has been made, the news has already sparked debate among fans and former cricketers.
Haris Rauf’s Last T20I Appearance
Haris Rauf last played a T20 International for Pakistan on September 28, 2025, in the Asia Cup final against India. Pakistan lost that match, and since then, Rauf has not featured in the national T20 setup. His absence from recent international fixtures has raised questions about his future in Pakistan’s white-ball plans, particularly with the World Cup approaching.
Despite being out of the international spotlight for a few months, Rauf’s overall record in T20 cricket continues to speak for itself.
Haris Rauf’s Impressive T20I Record
Statistically, Haris Rauf remains one of Pakistan’s most successful fast bowlers in T20 Internationals. The 32-year-old speedster is currently Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, highlighting his long-term impact in the shortest format.
Haris Rauf – T20I Career Stats:
Matches: 94
Wickets: 133
Economy Rate: 8.38
Four-wicket hauls: 5
On the global stage, Rauf stands ninth on the all-time list of highest T20I wicket-takers, an achievement that underlines his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
Dominating the Big Bash League 15
Interestingly, Haris Rauf’s potential exclusion is not linked to poor form. In fact, he is currently enjoying an excellent run in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15, where he is representing the Melbourne Stars.
So far in the tournament, Rauf has been nothing short of outstanding:
Wickets: 18 in 10 matches
Economy Rate: 7.96
Status: Leading wicket-taker of BBL 15
His performances in Australia once again confirm his reputation as a high-quality T20 bowler, especially effective with the new ball and at the death.
PCB’s Preliminary Squad Submission to ICC
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already submitted a preliminary squad list to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the T20 World Cup 2026. As per ICC regulations, boards are allowed to make changes to the submitted list without ICC approval until January 31, 2026.
This gives Pakistan’s selectors and team management a limited but crucial window to fine-tune the squad based on form, fitness, and strategic requirements.
Members of Pakistan’s national T20I squad are expected to return home after completing their recent tour of Sri Lanka. Once back, head coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha are likely to hold detailed meetings with the selection committee before locking in the final squad.
Probable Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
According to insiders, several players have emerged as strong contenders for selection.
Likely Squad Members:
Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
Sahibzada Farhan
Saim Ayub
Fakhar Zaman
Shadab Khan
Babar Azam
Faheem Ashraf
Mohammad Nawaz
Usman Khan
Abrar Ahmed
Players Still Under Discussion:
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Salman Mirza
- Khawaja Nafay
Likely Reserve Players:
- Abdul Samad
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
- Usman Tariq
The final selection is expected to reflect a balance between experience, current form, and suitability for subcontinental conditions.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule
Pakistan, winners of the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup, will kick off their 2026 campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.
Group A Fixtures:
February 7: Pakistan vs Netherlands – Colombo
February 10: Pakistan vs USA – Colombo
February 15: Pakistan vs India – Colombo
February 18: Pakistan vs Namibia – Colombo
All of Pakistan’s group-stage matches will be played in Sri Lanka, primarily in Colombo. The Super Eight stage will be hosted in Colombo and Kandy.
Why Haris Rauf’s Exclusion Is Being Debated
If Haris Rauf is eventually left out of the squad, it would mark a significant shift in Pakistan’s T20 strategy. Rauf has long been known for his raw pace, aggressive bowling, and ability to take wickets in the middle and death overs.
However, team management may be considering factors such as:
- Conditions in Sri Lanka favoring spin and slower bowlers
- Recent focus on bowling control and economy rates
- Managing workload and injury risk ahead of future tournaments
Final Verdict
As the countdown to the T20 World Cup 2026 continues, Pakistan’s squad selection remains under close scrutiny. Haris Rauf’s possible omission is one of the most talked-about developments, especially given his outstanding T20 record and current form in the BBL.
The final decision is expected before the January 31 deadline, and until then, fans can expect plenty of speculation. Whether included or not, Rauf’s case highlights the tough calls Pakistan’s selectors face ahead of the global event.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Haris Rauf officially dropped from Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad?
No, there has been no official announcement. He is still under consideration.
Q2: Who is Pakistan’s head coach for white-ball cricket?
Mike Hesson is currently serving as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach.
Q3: How many T20I wickets has Haris Rauf taken for Pakistan?
He has taken 133 wickets in 94 T20 International matches.
Q4: How is Haris Rauf performing in the BBL 15?
He is the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 18 wickets in 10 matches.
Q5: When will Pakistan announce the final T20 World Cup squad?
The PCB can make changes until January 31, after which the final squad is expected.
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