Star Pakistan pacer likely to be excluded from T20 World Cup squad

Star Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf is likely to be excluded from Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

According to sources, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson is not in favour of including the right-arm pacer in the final lineup. 

Rauf last featured for Pakistan in the T20I format on September 28, 2025, during the Asia Cup final against India, which Pakistan lost.

Despite his absence from recent international action, Rauf remains one of Pakistan’s most effective bowlers in the shortest format. 

He is currently the national team’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, having claimed 133 wickets in 94 matches at an economy rate of 8.38. 

His record includes five four-wicket hauls, placing him ninth on the list of highest wicket-takers overall in T20I history.

The 32-year-old is currently representing Melbourne Stars in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 15, where he has been in impressive form. 

Rauf is so far the leading wicket-taker of the tournament so far, with 18 wickets in 10 matches at an economy of 7.96.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already submitted a preliminary list of players to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the upcoming tournament. 

Reports suggested that the PCB can make changes to the submitted list without ICC approval until January 31.

Members of the national T20I squad are returning home today after completing their series in Sri Lanka. 

Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha are expected to hold final discussions with the selectors before the squad is finalised.

Sources indicate that the probable players 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, Haris Rauf, Salman Mirza and Khawaja Nafay, while Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Usman Tariq are likely to be named among the reserve players.

Pakistan, the 2009 champions, will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo. 

They will then face the USA on February 10, followed by high-profile clashes against arch-rivals India on February 15 and Namibia on February 18 in their final group-stage match.

It is pertinent to note that Pakistan will play all of their matches in Sri Lanka, starting with four Group A fixtures in Colombo, while the Super Eight matches are scheduled to be held in Colombo and Kandy.