Pakistan right-arm fast bowler Haris Rauf is likely to be dropped from the Pakistan national T20 squad for the upcoming series against South Africa.
Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign came to a sad end as they lost the all-important match against India in the continental championship. Haris Rauf was one of the main reasons why Pakistan failed to defend the target set in the Asia Cup final.
The fast bowler scored 50 runs in just 22 balls of his spell, as both Shivam Dubey and Tilak Verma attacked the right-arm pacer when India needed quick runs down the order.
Haris Rauf likely to be dropped from South Africa T20
Apart from scoring huge numbers of runs, Haris Rauf was also a part of the controversy between Indian and Pakistani players. His controversial gestures fanned the flames as the matter reached the ICC. The player was also fined a portion of his match fee after being found guilty of the offense by the ICC.
Haris Rauf had a good Asia Cup campaign, especially in terms of wickets, as he took 9 wickets in just 5 matches. However, he had the worst economy among Pakistani bowlers, as he is often known for his fast pace.
With the upcoming T20 World Cup, it would not be surprising if Pakistan consider dropping him to provide more time to prepare for the important ICC event. Therefore, it is likely that Haris Rauf will be dropped from the Pakistani T20 team. Some reports have also claimed that players like Mohammad Wasim Jr. or Abbas Afridi could be included in the Pakistani team.
Haris Rauf likely to be ruled out of T20 series against South Africa (Geo News) pic.twitter.com/Bp7URiBsVg
– Junaz (@dhilllow_) 8 October 2025
Pakistan is considering giving another chance to Saim Ayub
Another name in the Pakistan team that has been controversial since the Asia Cup is opening batsman Sam Ayub. The young Pakistani cricketer has gradually developed into a white-ball cricketer across all formats.
The batsman has scored many runs for Pakistan in recent times; However, his form in the shortest format of the game has been a major concern. He has been out on zero 4 times out of 7 matches played in the Continental Championship.
However, the selectors have talked about giving chances to young cricketers like Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris, who were not in form in the recently concluded Asia Cup.
The return of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan has not been initiated by the PCB yet
While wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan has been retained in his position as One Day International captain, Salman Agha will continue as their T20I captain for the upcoming series against South Africa.
Two great batsmen of Pakistan cricket, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been dropped from the Asia Cup team. However, there is a possibility of his return to the team.
Meanwhile, no consensus has been reached yet on the return of Babar Azam or Mohammad Rizwan to the T20 squad, indicating ongoing discussions within the Pakistan Cricket Board.
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