Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf is expected to be left out of the national squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, according to sources. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 7 to March 8, 2026, in India and Sri Lanka.
Performance Concerns Following Asia Cup Final
Rauf’s last appearance in the T20 format for Pakistan was during the Asia Cup 2025 final against India. In that match, he conceded 50 runs in just 3.4 overs without taking a wicket. This performance reportedly influenced the decision of Pakistan’s head coach, Mike Hesson, who is not in favor of including Rauf in the World Cup squad.
Pakistan lost the final to India, who successfully chased the target of 147 runs in 19.4 overs with five wickets down.
Current Form and Domestic Participation
Despite his international setbacks, Rauf remains active in domestic cricket, currently playing in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) for the Melbourne Stars. He holds the record for the most wickets taken by a Pakistani bowler in T20 Internationals, with 133 wickets from 94 matches.
Squad Selection and Tournament Details
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted a preliminary list of players for the T20 World Cup 2026 to the International Cricket Council (ICC). However, changes to this list can still be made until January 31 without ICC approval.
Probable squad members 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, Salman Mirza, and Khawaja Nafay. Reserve players likely to be named include Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Usman Tariq.
Group Stage and Match Venues
Pakistan has been drawn into Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands, and Namibia. All of Pakistan’s matches will be played in Sri Lanka, with group-stage games scheduled in Colombo. The team will open 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.
Super Eight stage matches will take place in Colombo and Kandy.
