Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf is likely to miss selection for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, according to sources.
Officials familiar with the selection process say Rauf is not expected to be included in Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the tournament. His last T20 International appearance for Pakistan was the Asia Cup 2025 final against India.
Sources said head coach Mike Hesson is not in favour of the right-arm pacer’s inclusion following his poor performance in the Asia Cup final, where he conceded 50 runs in 3.4 overs without taking a wicket. Pakistan lost the match as India successfully chased a 147-run target to win the title.
Despite being Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in T20 Internationals with 133 wickets in 94 matches, Rauf has not featured in recent T20I plans. He is currently playing in Australia’s Big Bash League for Melbourne Stars.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has already submitted a preliminary squad list to the ICC, though changes can be made until January 31 without approval. Consultations are ongoing regarding both the World Cup squad and Pakistan’s upcoming home T20I series against Australia.
According to sources, the probable squad includes Salman Ali Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Sahibzada Farhan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed.
Other players under consideration include Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza and Khawaja Nafay, while Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Usman Tariq are likely to be named as reserves.
Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, the United States, the Netherlands and Namibia. All of Pakistan’s group matches will be played in Sri Lanka, with the team opening their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.
