Haris Rauf Faces Uncertain T20 World Cup Future for Pakistan

The talk around Haris Rauf’s T20 World Cup has taken a sudden shift as Pakistan’s selectors consider a tough decision before February’s tournament. Squad deadlines are closing in, pressure is building inside the camp, and a familiar face is now facing real doubt over his place.

Selection Pressure Builds

Fast bowler Haris Rauf could be left out of the ICC tournament in India and Sri Lanka. People close to the team say white-ball coach Mike Hesson is still not sold on Rauf’s role in the final combination.

The thinking has surprised many inside cricket circles. Haris Rauf last played a T20I during the Asia Cup final loss to India in September. His numbers are impressive and still carry weight. He continues to lead Pakistan’s T20I wicket-taker list. Haris is mostly known for raw pace, attacking spells, and steady control in tight situations.

Haris Rauf has taken 133 wickets in 94 T20Is for Pakistan. Five 4-wicket performances show how often he has changed matches with the ball. Even away from the national side, his form continues to hum. He has been playing for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League and has torn through batting line-ups. The wickets have kept coming, placing him at the top of the tournament charts with controlled, attacking spells.

Selection rarely comes down to figures alone. Team balance, fitness concerns, and playing conditions in Sri Lanka have all entered talks around the Pakistan T20 World Cup squad. The coaches seem focused on options and cover, even if that choice means moving away from tried-and-tested pace.

What Lies Ahead for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad

The Pakistan Cricket Board has already submitted a provisional squad list to the ICC. Changes can still be made until January 31. Captain Salman Ali Agha and the selectors are expected to meet with Hesson soon to settle roles and decide on reserve players.

Players such as Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi continue to sit firmly in the plans. Rauf, meanwhile, finds himself grouped with players still under discussion rather than guaranteed starters, a telling sign as the Haris Rauf T20 World Cup debate rolls on.

Pakistan will begin its campaign against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7. Matches against the USA, India, and Namibia follow in the group stage. All group fixtures will be played in Sri Lanka, where conditions could ultimately decide whether raw pace or controlled variation wins the selectors’ trust within the Pakistan T20 World Cup squad.