By Staff Reporter
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday omitted fast bowler Haris Rauf from its 15-man squad for next month’s ICC T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, despite his strong recent form in Australia’s Big Bash League where he claimed 20 wickets.
Former captains Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi were included in the lineup, which also features six players earning their first call-ups to a major tournament: captain Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Tariq.
The squad was unveiled at a press conference at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium by PCB High Performance Director and selection committee member Aaqib Javed, alongside Salman and white-ball head coach Michael James Hesson.
Rauf, 32, holds the record as Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals with 133 scalps in 94 matches, but Javed cited team composition and conditions in Sri Lanka as reasons for his exclusion. “Rauf has played a lot of cricket for Pakistan, but we kept conditions in Sri Lanka in mind while selecting the squad,” Javed told reporters.
The remaining players in the squad – Abrar Ahmed, Babar, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen, Shadab Khan and Usman Khan – have appeared in at least one edition of the tournament since 2021, according to a PCB statement. The 20-team event runs from Feb. 7 to March 8, with each side playing four group matches before advancing to the Super Eight and knockout stages. Pakistan’s preparation includes a three-match T20I series against Australia at Gaddafi Stadium on Jan. 29, 31 and Feb. 1, with a training camp starting on Sunday, the PCB said. Babar and Shaheen were recalled for that series after being rested for last month’s T20Is against Sri Lanka.
Addressing questions about Babar’s selection amid criticism of his form, Javed described him as “the most consistent batsman.” Babar, who on Thursday said he would skip the rest of the Big Bash League to join the national camp, drew praise from captain Salman, who dismissed concerns over his recent performances. “His performance has not been as bad as you people portray it to be, his performance in the Big Bash did not go well, but it was in different conditions,” Salman said. “I think since his comeback, he has been performing well in the T20s and all that matters to me is that he performs well for Pakistan.”
On the absence of Muhammad Rizwan, despite his experience in Sri Lankan conditions, Javed said the need for a balanced batting order. “You have to take into account the batting composition of your team — both the coach and captain think that Babar can play a vital role in the team — so it does not mean that one is being given a chance and the other is not, we have to look at how the team can have a more competitive batting line up,” Javed said, adding that the argument held “no logic.” “You have to look at who fits better in the squad and which player can make the team better,” he said.
Hesson defended the choice of wicket-keepers Khawaja Nafay and Usman Khan, saying Usman’s strong return to the side. “Usman Khan has been exceptional since he has come back in the squad,” Hesson said. “His wicket-keeping has probably been better than expected.” For Nafay, Hesson said Sahibzada Farhan had been considered as a backup but was deemed at risk of injury from additional keeping duties. “The fact that we would have to put him in a difficult situation forced our hand a little bit […] that is where Nafay came in as a power player,” Hesson said. “We are very comfortable with the two keeping options we have.”
Discussing the bowling attack, Hesson said the decision to go with three seamers – Shaheen, Mohammad Salman Mirza and Naseem Shah – left no room for Rauf, Waseem Junior or Ahmed Daniyal. “Firstly, when we decided to take three seamers to Sri Lanka, there were obviously going to be some unlucky seamers,” Hesson said. “They can bowl in all three phases of the game.” “In previous World Cup tournaments, we have always taken an extra seamer because conditions have dictated that, whereas in this situation we haven’t gone down that path.”
On Babar’s role, Hesson highlighted his versatility beyond his Big Bash experience. “We see a very different role for Babar than what you have in the BBL,” he said. “Babar Azam has a lot of other skills to offer … We know what a world-class player he is and how flexible he can be, depending on what the team requires.”
Salman acknowledged a potential home-like advantage for Pakistan, with all their matches set in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model agreed after India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. That compromise saw India play its Champions Trophy games in Dubai, and Salman drew a parallel but stressed performance over venue. “India won because they played good cricket. If we do the same, we will win as well,” he said.
However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday that Pakistan’s participation in the T20 World Cup remained unconfirmed, amid ongoing tensions. Javed, asked about a possible boycott, said selectors’ focus was on the team, with the final call resting with the government. “Ultimately, it is up to the government to decide, and we will wait for their decision,” he said.
Reviewing recent ICC outings, Salman admitted shortfalls. “We’ve underperformed in the last three events,” he said. “World Cups are grueling – no room for complacency. It’s a test we’re geared up and eager for.” On batting order, he said flexibility reigns beyond the openers.”T20s throw unpredictable scenarios; we’ll adjust accordingly,” Salman said.
Pakistan squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.
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