Kamran Akmal: “I would 100% select Haris Rauf for the T20 World Cup”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has said he would have included fast bowler Haris Rauf in the team for the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup.
Rauf has been a regular member of Pakistan’s limited overs setup for several years but missed out on selection for this year’s tournament, a move that raised plenty of eyebrows.
The 32-year-old’s recent form made a strong case for his inclusion, especially since he had a remarkable Big Bash League (BBL) season, where he finished as the highest wicket-taker with 20 wickets in 11 matches for the Melbourne Stars at an average of 16.75 and an economy rate of 8.23.
“I would 100% select Haris Rauf for the T20 World Cup,” Akmal was quoted as saying by TOK Sports on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Pakistan are through to the Super Eights in the 2026 T20 World Cup after beating the Netherlands, United States of America and Namibia in the group stage. Their only loss came against India.
The men in green kickstarted their Super Eights campaign on a damp note as their match against New Zealand was abandoned due to rain.
Next up for Pakistan will be a clash against England on February 24 in Pallekele.
Pakistan Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq