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 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-hand pacer conceded 50 runs in 3.4 overs without taking any wickets.
The Green Shirts had lost the match with India successfully chasing the target of 147 runs in 19.4 overs with the loss of five wickets to be crowned champions.
Rauf, who has taken the most wickets in T20Is by dismissing 133 batsmen in 94 matches, is currently playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia, where he represents Melbourne Stars.
Last week, PakGazette News reported inquiries for Pakistan’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup and the upcoming home T20I series against Australia.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already submitted a preliminary list of players to the ICC for the T20 World Cup 2026, 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 ICC approval 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 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 is classified in Group A alongside India, the United States, the Netherlands and Namibia and will play all its matches in Sri Lanka.
The national team will begin its T20 World Cup 2026 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 group stage match.
The Men in Green will play all their matches in Sri Lanka, starting with four Group A matches in Colombo, while the Super Eight matches are scheduled to be played in Colombo and Kandy.
