Karachi: Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf is likely to be left out of the national squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, set to be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, sources told Geo News on Tuesday.
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Rauf, who last featured for Pakistan in the T20 format during the Asia Cup 2025 final against India, is expected to miss out on selection for the 15-member squad. Sources said head coach Mike Hesson was not in favour of including the right-arm fast bowler following his performance in the September 2025 final, where he conceded 50 runs in 3.4 overs without claiming a wicket. India went on to chase Pakistan’s 147-run target in 19.4 overs to clinch the title.
No Haris Rauf for T20 World Cup 🏏#T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/IbcSmQc6rL
— Syed Speaks (@SyedSpeaks_96) January 20, 2026
Despite being Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 133 dismissals in 94 matches, Rauf currently finds himself out of contention as he continues to play in Australia’s Big Bash League for the Melbourne Stars.
Consultations over Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad are already under way, alongside discussions for the upcoming home T20I series against Australia. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted a preliminary list of players to the ICC but can make changes to the list until January 31 without approval.
Probables for the tournament include captain Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed. Others under consideration are Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza and Khawaja Nafay, while Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Usman Tariq are likely to be listed as reserves.
Read More: PCB ‘submits’ preliminary squad for T20I World Cup 2026 to ICC
Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia. The Green Shirts will play all group fixtures in Colombo, beginning their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by matches against the USA on February 10, India on February 15 and Namibia on February 18.