Australian Cricket Greats React to Haris Rauf Being Left Out

The build-up to the ICC event has taken a sharper turn after two former Australian captains voiced surprise over a key omission. The Haris Rauf exclusion from Pakistan’s T20 setup has not gone unnoticed, particularly among those who watched him terrorise batters in Australia just weeks ago.

Rauf’s numbers were hard to ignore. Twenty wickets in eleven games. He delivered every spell with consistent pace. His Big Bash League spell with Melbourne Stars reminded many why he has long been seen as Pakistan’s strike option when games drift.

Finch Flags The Missing X-factor

Aaron Finch admitted the announcement caught him off guard. In his view, T20 cricket is less about economy charts and more about disruption. Rauf, he stressed, brings chaos. Wickets in the powerplay. Breakthroughs at the death. That rare ability to change a match within a couple of overs.

Finch also pointed out that flat pitches demand bowlers who are not afraid to gamble. Rauf fits that mould. Even when runs flow, wickets often follow. Excluding such a profile drew attention well beyond the dressing room.

Clarke Weighs conditions, But Keeps Doubts

Michael Clarke offered a broader angle. He suggested the decision reflects Pakistan’s thinking around conditions in India and Sri Lanka. Slower decks often present defined roles. The team might want controlled spells. From that lens, the selectors may have leaned elsewhere.

Still, Clarke underlined one key point. Momentum matters. Entering a World Cup with rhythm can be priceless. Rauf had that rhythm.

The Pakistan T20 World Cup squad now faces scrutiny, especially with fans recalling Rauf’s last outing in the Asia Cup final, where a tough night may have lingered longer than expected.

Selection calls shape tournaments. This one has already sparked debate, and the first ball hasn’t even been bowled yet.