Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf is likely to be dropped from the national squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources told on Tuesday.
Rauf, who last played a T20I for Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final against India, is not expected to be included in the final 15-member squad for the tournament, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
According to sources, head coach Mike Hesson is not in favour of Rauf’s selection following his performance in the Asia Cup final last September. The right-arm pacer conceded 50 runs in 3.4 overs without taking a wicket as India chased down 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 fallen out of favour as the team management reassesses its bowling options ahead of the World Cup.
The pacer is currently playing in the Big Bash League for the Melbourne Stars, but sources say his participation in the tournament has not changed the selectors’ stance.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already submitted a provisional squad to the ICC. However, changes can still be made to the list until January 31 without ICC approval.
Consultations are also ongoing regarding Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming home T20I series against Australia, which is expected to play a role in finalising the World Cup lineup.
Sources said the probable squad includes Salman Ali Agha (captain), Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed.
Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are also under consideration, while Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Usman Tariq are likely to be named among the reserves.
Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia. All of Pakistan’s group-stage matches will be played in Sri Lanka.
The Men in Green will open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by fixtures against the USA (February 10), India (February 15) and Namibia (February 18).
