Tag: Haris Rauf

Former Australia captains Aaron Finch and Michael Clarke have expressed surprise over Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf’s exclusion from the national squad for the  T20 World Cup 2026, despite his strong showing in the recently concluded Big Bash League (BBL) season.

Rauf finished as the leading wicket-taker in BBL 15 with 20 wickets in 11 matches but did not make Pakistan’s T20 squad for the tournament, which India and Sri Lanka will host from February 7 to March 8.

During a discussion on a local sports platform, Finch said that the decision caught him off guard and stressed the importance of impact players in T20 cricket.

Aaron Finch and Michael Clarke are surprised Haris Rauf isn’t going to the #T20WorldCup after he topped the wicket charts at #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/K2tmMWiyfd

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 28, 2026

“Yeah, I thought… I was really surprised when I saw that he wasn’t in the squad. I thought he brings that X-factor,” Finch said.

The former Australia skipper added that genuine wicket-takers remain vital in the shortest format, even if they concede runs at times.

“Yes, he can be costly at times, but when you’ve got a genuine wicket-taker in all three phases of the game, that is the most important thing for me in T20 cricket, finding a way to get wickets, particularly on some flat surfaces as well. So, yeah, I was really surprised by that,” he said.

Clarke also acknowledged the surprise surrounding Rauf’s omission but linked the decision to conditions in the subcontinent and the roles Pakistan’s selectors want players to fill.

“Surprised, but again, it’s another indication that playing in Australia is very different from playing in Sri Lanka and India. You pick your squad for conditions, for the role you’re going to play in that team. So they obviously don’t see him playing a role like he did in the BBL,” Clarke said.

The former captain added that recent form and match practice still matter when naming a World Cup squad.

“But I think form is important as well. When you’re picking a World Cup squad, you’d rather have players going into the tournament with some cricket and good form under their belt. So let’s see what happens,” he said.

Despie strong performance in BBL, Rauf’s recent record in high-pressure moments may have influenced the decision. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, he failed to defend 15 runs in the final over against the United States, which forced a Super Over that Pakistan lost in a major upset.

In the 2022 T20 World Cup against India, Rauf bowled the 19th over while Pakistan defended 28 runs off eight balls. Virat Kohli struck two sixes off the final deliveries to swing the match in India’s favour.

The most damaging blow came in the 2025 Asia Cup final against India. With India needing 10 runs in the final over, Rauf conceded the runs in just four balls, finishing with figures of 50 runs in four overs without a wicket.

More recently, Rauf could not defend 10 runs in the final over against Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League.

Pakistan will open their T20 World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo. Under the ICC’s hybrid model, Pakistan will play all of their matches in Sri Lanka, as teams from Pakistan and India will not tour each other’s countries for ICC events during the agreed period.

If Pakistan reach the semi-finals and final, Colombo will host both knockout matches. Otherwise, Kolkata will stage the semi-finals, while Ahmedabad will host the final.

Pakistan have named a 15-member squad for the tournament, led by Salman Ali Agha, and featuring Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan and Usman Tariq.

Indian cricket fans flooded social media with sarcastic reactions after Pakistan excluded fast bowler Haris Rauf from their T20 World Cup 2026 squad, with many jokingly lamenting the loss of their “secret agent.”

Following Pakistan’s squad announcement on Sunday, Indian users on X (formerly Twitter) took aim at Rauf’s exclusion, referencing his costly performances against India in past encounters.

One user wrote: “We will miss our secret agent at the event. He was there for us when times got tough for us.”

Another user wrote, “Indian favourite Haris Rauf has been dropped from Pakistan’s T20 World Cup team because he always helped India win matches. Just when we thought Pakistan would win today…”

The trolling continued with fans expressing mock disappointment. “Haris Rauf the Impact player of India in crucial matches,” one user quipped, while another declared: “I am boycotting if Haris Rauf is not playing against us.”

Some took playful digs at opposition teams, writing, “Other teams will miss Haris Rauf’s death bowling,” sarcastically suggesting his exclusion would hurt Pakistan’s opponents more than the team itself.

During the press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, PCB Director High Performance Aqib Javed addressed questions about Rauf’s omission. “We think about what conditions the team plays in and what combination works better there,” Javed explained.

“Haris Rauf has played for Pakistan for a long time, but if you look at the recent past, a different combination emerges. We built this team keeping in mind the conditions and since most matches will happen in Sri Lanka, we considered what your best composition could be there,” he added.

Pakistan announced their 15-member squad for the tournament, with former captain Babar Azam returning to the fold while excluding both Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan.

A pattern of high-pressure failures appears to have sealed Rauf’s fate. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rauf could not defend 15 runs in the final over against the United States, forcing a Super Over that Pakistan ultimately lost in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

In the 2022 T20 World Cup against India, Rauf bowled the 19th over with Pakistan defending 28 runs off eight balls. Virat Kohli hit two consecutive sixes off the final two deliveries, turning the match in India’s favor.

Most recently, Rauf failed to defend 10 runs in the final over against Brisbane Heat in the ongoing BBL.

Pakistan hopes to begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.

Pakistani star pacer Haris Rauf has said that while he would be disappointed if he is left out of the T20 World Cup squad, it would not mark the end of his career.

“If I’m not included in the T20 World Cup squad, I will be disappointed, but my career won’t end,” Rauf said during an interview in Australia.

“I will continue to perform and work further on my bowling,” he said while also expressing his best wishes for the national cricket team ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Rauf has been in exceptional form during the Big Bash League, picking up 20 wickets in 11 matches while playing for Melbourne Stars. However, reports suggest that Pakistan coach Mike Hesson is not in favour of selecting him in the squad following the Asia Cup 2025 final against India.

Speaking about his role, Rauf emphasised that captains play a crucial role in extracting performances from players.

“The captain has a major role in building or breaking a player,” he said. “It depends on the captain how he uses his player’s abilities in the best possible way.”

Rauf revealed that Melbourne Stars captain Marcus Stoinis played an important role in his Big Bash career by giving him the freedom to attack.

“I was told in the Big Bash that I don’t need to bowl defensively,” Rauf said.

“Melbourne Stars management told me that the world’s best batters fear you. They told me not to worry about runs. I can also bowl easy, defensive bowling that stops runs, but people need to understand my role.”

The 31-year-old explained that his primary responsibility has always been to take wickets rather than contain runs.

“Whenever I have played for Pakistan, I have always given 100 percent effort,” he said.

“My role is always to take wickets, not stop runs. The most difficult role is bowling in the final overs, which is the role given to me. Bowling in death overs is not easy.”

Rauf said he has been performing consistently since the Asia Cup, dismissing suggestions that he is going through a difficult phase in his career.

“This is not a difficult time in my career. I have performed recently, but whether I perform or not, I am still being criticised,” he said.

He also addressed the treatment of players on social media and in public discourse.

“There is a difference between criticizing a player and being disrespectful to a player,” Rauf said, adding that some people cross the line.

On the differences between the Big Bash and Pakistan Super League (PSL), Rauf noted that while both are quality competitions, the BBL features more established international stars.

“The Big Bash is counted among the major leagues and big players compete in it, while the PSL is becoming a big league. After the auction, more big foreign players will come to Pakistan.”

Rauf also expressed his affection for Australian conditions, crediting them with helping shape his career.

Fast bowler Haris Rauf is likely to miss Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup, reports confirmed Monday, despite taking 18 wickets in nine Big Bash League (BBL) matches this season.

Team coach Mike Hesson reportedly opposes Rauf’s inclusion following the Asia Cup final, where the pacer’s death-over struggles proved costly. 

The most damaging blow came in the 2025 Asia Cup final against India. With India needing 10 runs in the final over, Rauf conceded the runs in just four balls, finishing with figures of 50 runs in four overs without a wicket.

A pattern of high-pressure failures appears to have sealed his fate. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rauf could not defend 15 runs in the final over against the United States, forcing a Super Over that Pakistan ultimately lost in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

In the 2022 T20 World Cup against India, Rauf bowled the 19th over with Pakistan defending 28 runs off eight balls. Virat Kohli hit two consecutive sixes off the final two deliveries, turning the match in India’s favor.

Most recently, Rauf failed to defend 10 runs in the final over against Brisbane Heat in the ongoing BBL.

Pakistan hopes to begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf hit back at critics after his match-winning spell against Sri Lanka, saying that players are human and cannot be expected to perform perfectly in every game.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after Pakistan’s narrow 6-run win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI at Rawalpindi, Haris said bowling in cold conditions was a real challenge. “It’s not easy to bowl in such weather,” he said. “But I always try to give my hundred percent for Pakistan. Winning for the team is what matters the most.”

The right-arm pacer also opened up about the pressure of expectations. “People forget ten good matches after one bad performance,” he said. “They expect us to perform every single time. People think players are robots, but we’re not machines, we make mistakes too. What’s important is that we keep believing in ourselves.”

Haris finished with figures of 4 for 49 and played a key role in defending Pakistan’s total. “If I get the chance to play Test cricket, I’ll definitely be ready,” he added.

Pakistan produced a complete team performance to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. 

Salman Ali Agha smashed 105 to power Pakistan to 299 for 5 after a shaky start. His 138-run stand with Hussain Talat, who scored 62, turned the game around after early trouble. Mohammad Nawaz’s quick 36 helped Pakistan finish strongly.

Hasaranga impressed with the ball, taking 3 for 54.

In reply, Sri Lanka fought hard but fell just short, ending on 293 for 9 in their 50 overs. 

Wanindu Hasaranga led the chase with a 59-run knock, while Sadeera Samarawickrama 39, Kamindu Mendis 38, and Charith Asalanka 32 added valuable runs.

Haris Rauf’s fiery spell made the difference as he picked four key wickets, supported by Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf with two each. 

Mohammad Nawaz claimed one wicket. 

Pakistan will now look to seal the series in the second ODI as their bowlers and middle order continue to show strong form.

Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan adopted a strong defense before the International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Richie Richardson on Friday, vehemently denying allegations of making political gestures against India and placing the match official on the spot.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had demanded the ICC take “strict action” against the players following their “provocative gestures” during the Asia Cup Super Four clash.

Rauf, specifically challenged about making a “6-0” hand gesture and the jet-crash celebration in front of Indian spectators, questioned the very nature of the allegations.

According to media reports, when Rauf was asked about the meaning of the “6-0” sign, the fast bowler counter-questioned the referee directly.

“Tell me what 6-0 means?” Rauf reportedly asked Richardson. Reports indicate the match referee fell silent at this point, unable to provide a definition.

Rauf continued his defense, stating his position remained consistent even in his written response to the ICC: “There is no evidence to support the charges.”

When the referee suggested Rauf’s gesture “perhaps pointed to something else,” the bowler pressed back, asking, “You tell me what I was pointing to?” 

Rauf insisted the repeated gestures were solely for the fans and “nothing else.”

Sahibzada Farhan, who faced a complaint for his “gun-fire” celebration after reaching his half-century, completely denied the charges and any political intent.

Farhan presented his case, stating, “The celebration was not political in nature; I did not target India in the celebration.” He explained that such a celebration represents Pashtun tradition.

Both cricketers presented their case forcefully, submitting detailed written responses and maintaining their innocence under the ICC Code of Conduct hearing chaired by Richie Richardson. The BCCI’s complaint alleged Rauf had made “jet crash gestures” and the “0-6 sign” after spectators chanted “Kohli, Kohli.”

Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh have taken a serious blow following an injury setback to a key player.

Fast bowler Haris Rauf picked up a hamstring injury while playing for the San Francisco Unicorns in the ongoing Major League Cricket tournament in the USA. The franchise has confirmed that Haris will no longer take part in the league due to the injury.

The Unicorns have brought in New Zealand pacer Ben Lister to replace him.

According to reports, Haris has suffered a Grade One hamstring strain, ruling him out of the remainder of the MLC season and putting his availability for Pakistan’s crucial Bangladesh tour in doubt.

Haris was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker so far, underlining both his form and value to the national team. The Pakistan team management is now closely monitoring his recovery to ensure he regains fitness ahead of future international matches.

Lahore Qalandars’ fast bowlers, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, achieved a significant milestone during their bowling spell against Islamabad United in the 19th match of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Both pacers completed 300 wickets in T20 cricket, marking a major achievement in their careers.

Shaheen Afridi reached this milestone in his 216th T20 match, while Haris Rauf achieved it in his 228th game. With this feat, Shaheen Afridi has become the fastest Pakistani bowler to take 300 wickets in T20 cricket. Haris Rauf now holds the position of the second-fastest Pakistani to achieve this milestone.

Previously, Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz jointly held the record, having taken 300 wickets in 256 T20 innings.

Globally, Shaheen Afridi is now the fourth-fastest bowler in the world to take 300 wickets in T20 cricket, adding another impressive feat to his growing list of achievements.