Haris Rauf's T20 Career In Jeopardy After Tilak Varma Assault, World Cup Hopes Sink As Coach Takes Big Call

Haris Rauf could be dropped from T20 World Cup squad (AP)

In what comes as a big development, ace pacer Haris Rauf is likely to be dropped from the Pakistan squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. Rauf, a genuine match-winner for Pakistan, was dropped from the team after a hammering by Tilak Varma in the Asia Cup final, where he conceded 50 runs in 3.4 overs as Pakistan lost the game by five wickets. According to a report in Geo News, coach Mike Hesson does not want Rauf in the T20 World Cup squad after his shambolic performance against India. Rauf has taken 133 wickets in 95 games for Pakistan, but his future with the Green Shirts looks in jeopardy.

When Will Pakistan Announce World Cup Squad?

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet announced the squad for the marquee event, but reportedly, they have submitted a list of probable squad to the ICC. Pakistan are set to play Australia from January 29 at home, and the squad for the series and the T20 World Cup could be announced together before the series.

Also Read: ICC Tightens Screws On BCB Over T20 World Cup Tantrums, Says Play Or Get Replaced As Patience Runs Out: Report

Reportedly, Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan, and Abrar Ahmed have been named in the probable squad. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, and Khawaja Nafay's names are also being discussed. Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Usman Tariq are likely to be named among the reserve players.

PCB Extends Support To Bangladesh Amid Rift With India

Meanwhile, the PCB might make the situation between the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) a bit more chaotic. Reportedly, the PCB said that it will review its participation in the T20 World Cup if the ongoing issue between the BCB and ICC remains unsolved. For the unversed, the BCB has refused to play the T20 World Cup in India, and wants the matches shifted to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. The PCB has supported BCB on the stance, but the ICC reportedly has refused to bow down. If the situation escalates, the PCB could add fuel to the fire.

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Faham Uddin is a seasoned sports journalist currently working as a Special Correspondent on the sports desk. With over eight years of diverse experien ... View More

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