KARACHI: Pacer Haris Rauf is likely to be left out of Pakistan’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 to be held from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka, sources said on Tuesday.
Rauf, who last represented Pakistan in the 20-over format in the 2025 Asia Cup final against India, will not be included in the 15-member squad, sources said.
They add that coach Mike Hesson is not in favor of Rauf’s inclusion after the Asia Cup final against India in September 2025, where the right-arm pacer conceded 50 runs in 3.4 overs without taking any wickets.
The green shirts had lost the match against India who managed to reach the target of 147 runs in 19.4 overs with the loss of five wickets to be crowned champions.
Rauf, who has taken most wickets in T20Is by dismissing 133 batters in 94 matches, is currently playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia, where he represents Melbourne Stars.
Last week, PK Press Club News reported on the consultations on Pakistan’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup and the upcoming T20I series at home against Australia.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already submitted a preliminary list of players to the ICC for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
However, it is understood that the PCB can make changes to the submitted list without the approval of the ICC until January 31.
Sources say the probable players 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 being considered are Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza and Khawaja Nafay, while Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Usman Tariq are likely to be named among the reserve players.
Pakistan are in Group A alongside India, USA, Netherlands and Namibia and will play all their matches in Sri Lanka.
The national team will begin their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.
They will face the United States on February 10, followed by clashes against arch-rivals India on February 15 and Namibia on February 18 in their final match of the group stage.
The Men in Green will play all their matches in Sri Lanka, starting with four Group A matches in Colombo, while Super Eight matches will take place in Colombo and Kandy.
