KARACHI: Pacer Haris Rauf is likely to be dropped from 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 at the Asia Cup 2025 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, in which the right-arm pacer conceded 50 runs in 3.4 overs without taking a wicket.
The Green Shirts had lost the match where India successfully chased down the target of 147 runs in 19.4 overs for the loss of five wickets to be crowned champions.
Rauf, who has taken the 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 the Melbourne Stars.
Last week, Pakinomist News reported that the consultations for Pakistan’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 and the upcoming home T20I series against Australia.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already submitted a provisional list of players to the ICC for the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
However, it is understood that the PCB can make changes to the submitted list without ICC approval until January 31.
Sources say the likely 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 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 named among the reserve players.
Pakistan have been drawn in Group A along with India, USA, Netherlands and Namibia and will play all their matches in Sri Lanka.
The national team will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.
They will face the USA on February 10, followed by arch-rivals India on February 15 and Namibia on February 18 in their final group stage match.
The Men in Green will play all their matches in Sri Lanka, starting with four Group A matches in Colombo, while Super Eight matches are scheduled to be held in Colombo and Kandy.
