Haris Rauf, one of Pakistan’s biggest match-winners in T20 cricket, is now in danger of missing the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The trouble for Haris Rauf started in the Asia Cup 2025 final against India. It turned into a very tough night for him as Tilak Varma attacked him heavily.
Rauf gave away 50 runs in just 3.4 overs, and Pakistan went on to lose the final by five wickets. That one spell proved to be very costly, and soon after, Rauf was dropped from the team despite having taken 133 wickets in 95 matches for Pakistan in the format and being their go-to bowler in deaths.
Asia Cup 2025 nightmare could cost Haris Rauf his ICC T20 World Cup 2026 spot
Now, reports claimed that Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson doesn’t want Rauf in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad after that performance in Dubai. This has put Rauf’s future with the national team in doubt, even though his overall record remains strong.
However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not officially announced the final squad yet for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. However, it is believed that a list of probable players has already been submitted to the ICC.
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That list includes Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, and Usman Tariq.
While former captain Babar Azam managed to secure his place, both Rizwan and Rauf failed to make the cut despite their ongoing stunning form in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 for the Melbourne Stars. However, despite the disappointment, the 31-year-old pacer has decided not to give up.
Haris Rauf sends best wishes to Pakistan despite setback
The Rawalpindi pacer admitted that he would be disappointed if he doesn’t make the cut, but he will continue to focus on improving his game and keep trying to make himself better as a cricketer. Rauf made it clear that missing out on the T20 World Cup does not mean the end of his career.
Rauf also stressed that his performances have already improved since the Asia Cup 2025, and he believes that he is moving in the right direction. The star pacer also sent his good wishes to the Pakistan team for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Haris Rauf was quoted as saying by Geo News, “Of course, there is disappointment, as I was not picked in the T20 World Cup squad. But my career won’t end. I will keep working hard and focus more on my bowling.”
Haris Rauf breaks the silence on criticism, toughest job in modern cricket
Haris Rauf also spoke about the criticism players face after defeats. The Pakistani bowler has pointed out that there is a clear difference between constructive criticism and personal abuse, saying that the players and every member of the team give their best whenever they wear the national jersey, so defeats impact them more than anyone else.
Rauf also acknowledged the brutal demands of bowling at the death, calling it one of the toughest jobs in modern cricket. With little margin for error, he admitted that it is always a big challenge, but he is determined to master this area.
He added, “My job is to take wickets, not just stop runs. I can bowl defensively too, but people need to understand my role. Bowling in the final overs is the hardest.”
