WEB DESK: Pakistan’s star pacer Haris Rauf is reportedly set to miss out on selection for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, slated to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Sources reveal that Mike Hesson, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, is not keen on including the experienced right-arm fast bowler in the squad for the marquee tournament.
Haris Rauf last donned Pakistan’s colors in a T20I on September 28, 2025, during the Asia Cup final against India—a match where Pakistan suffered defeat.
Despite his absence from recent international outings, Rauf remains one of the country’s most impactful players in T20 cricket. With an impressive tally of 133 wickets in 94 matches at an economy rate of 8.38, he leads Pakistan’s all-time T20I wicket-takers list.
Rauf’s achievements also include five four-wicket hauls, placing him among the top ten highest wicket-takers in T20I history.
Rauf, now 32 years old, is currently showcasing stellar performances for the Melbourne Stars in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season 15. With 18 wickets across 10 matches at a commendable economy rate of 7.96, he leads the wicket-taking charts in the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already submitted a preliminary squad list to the International Cricket Council (ICC) ahead of the global event. According to reports, the PCB retains the flexibility to make adjustments to the roster without ICC approval until January 31.
Final deliberations between Hesson, captain Salman Ali Agha, and the selectors are expected shortly before the official squad announcement.
