Pakistan’s star fast bowler Haris Rauf has reportedly been excluded from the preliminary 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) indicate that the decision comes as a direct consequence of Rauf’s struggle to perform under high pressure, specifically citing his performance in the Asia Cup 2025 final against India.
In that high-stakes final held in September 2025, Rauf was hammered by Indian batters, most notably Tilak Varma, conceding 50 runs in just 3.4 overs without taking a single wicket.
This expensive spell allowed India to chase down Pakistan’s target of 147 and clinch the title.
Team management is reportedly “not in favor” of Rauf’s inclusion for the World Cup, expressing serious reservations about his ability to deliver at the death in high-intensity matches against archrivals.
Rauf has not played a T20I for Pakistan since that fateful Asia Cup final.
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Despite being Pakistan’s leading T20I wicket-taker (133 wickets), his tendency to leak runs in big games has worked against him.
While Rauf has been performing well in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), the selectors are reportedly sticking to players who have been part of the recent national setup.
With Rauf likely out, the pace attack is expected to be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, with emerging talents like Salman Mirza and Mohammad Wasim Jr. being considered for the remaining slots.
