Star Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf is likely to be dropped from Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 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 favor of including the right-arm pacer in the back-row.
Rauf last played for Pakistan in the T20I format on September 28, 2025, when Pakistan lost the Asia Cup final against India.
Despite his absence in recent international action, Raf remains one of Pakistan’s most prolific bowlers in the shorter format.
He has taken 133 wickets in 94 matches at an economy rate of 8.38 and is currently the leading wicket-taker for the national team in T20Is.
His haul includes five four-wicket hauls, making him the ninth-highest wicket-taker in T20I history overall.
The 32-year-old is currently representing Melbourne Stars in the ongoing Big Bash League (PBL) 15, where he has been in terrific form.
With 18 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 7.96, Rauf is the highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already submitted the preliminary list of players for the upcoming tournament to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Reports suggested that the PCB could make changes to the list submitted without the ICC’s approval till January 31.
The national T20 team players are returning home today after completing the T20 series in Sri Lanka.
Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha are expected to hold final discussions with the selectors before finalizing the squad.
Sources suggest captain Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Faqar Zaman, Shatab Khan, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed as possible players.
Other players under consideration are Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Salman Mirza and Khawaja Nafe, while the reserves include Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Usman Tariq.
2009 champions Pakistan begin their 2026 T20 World Cup 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 game.
Notably, while the Super Eight matches will be held in Colombo and Kandy, Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka, starting with four Group A matches in Colombo.
Syed Yahya Hussaini
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