Mike Hesson explains Haris Rauf’s exclusion from Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad
Hesson prioritised squad balance by selecting only three specialist fast bowlers
LAHORE: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson on Sunday explained the reasons behind pacer Haris Rauf’s exclusion from the 15-member 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.
Speaking at a media conference following the squad announcement, Hesson explained the rationale behind his exclusion and opted to select only three specialist fast bowlers for the the tournament, stressing the importance of versatility and adaptability to local conditions.
“When we decided to only take three seamers in Sri Lanka, there were obviously going to be some key seamers," Hesson said.
"Wasim Jr, Ahmed Daniyal and Haris Rauf were certainly considered, but unfortunately there’s no spot. The three that are going — Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Salman Mirza — can all bowl in all three phases of the game, which is really important when you’re potentially going to play two in Sri Lanka,” he added.
He further elaborated on how past experiences influenced selection decisions, while also acknowledging that the current conditions demanded a different approach compared to previous World Cup campaigns.
“In previous World Cups and previously, we have always taken an extra seamer there because conditions have dictated that, whereas in this situation we haven’t gone down that path. We have only picked three frontline seamers, with Faheem Ashraf as the all-rounder if we decide to play three, so that was pretty straightforward, and some very good players missed out,” he stated.
Reports had earlier suggested that the right-arm pacer was unlikely to be included, with Hesson not fully convinced about his fit for the squad balance in Sri Lankan conditions.
Rauf last represented Pakistan in T20Is on September 28, 2025, during the Asia Cup final against India.
Despite his absence from recent international action, the 32-year-old remains one of Pakistan’s most successful bowlers in the format.
He is Pakistan’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 in T20I history.
The right-arm pacer is currently in impressive form in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 15, where he is the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 18 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 7.96 while representing Melbourne Stars.
It is pertinent to mention that 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.
All of Pakistan’s group-stage fixtures will be played in Sri Lanka, with matches scheduled in Colombo, while the Super Eight games will be held in Colombo and Kandy.
Earlier on Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the squad during a media conference attended by PCB Director of High Performance and member of the Men’s National Selection Committee Aqib Javed, head coach Mike Hesson and T20I captain Salman Ali Agha.
Salman Ali Agha, along with Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Tariq, has earned his maiden call-up to Pakistan’s squad for a major ICC event.
Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and Usman Khan have featured in one or more editions of the tournament since 2021.
The Super Eight stage will begin on February 21 in Colombo and conclude on March 1 in Kolkata.
The first semi-final will be played on March 3, followed by the second on March 5, with the final scheduled for March 8 in Ahmedabad or Colombo.
Pakistan squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule:
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