Pakistan’s announcement of its squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 triggered a wave of sarcastic reactions from Indian cricket fans, who mocked the exclusion of fast bowler Haris Rauf on social media.
Rauf, a well known Pakistan international player, has featured in several past World Cups and major tournaments. His omission quickly became a trending topic online, with Indian users joking that they would miss seeing him in matches between the two rivals.
Many posts referred to his recent struggles in high pressure games, particularly in matches where Pakistan failed to defend small totals. Some fans described him humorously as an unofficial helper for opposing teams because of his costly overs in decisive moments.
The online commentary followed memories of key encounters in which Rauf was unable to contain runs in the final overs. In the 2022 T20 World Cup against India, he conceded crucial boundaries late in the match. In the 2024 tournament, he failed to defend a modest total against the United States, leading to one of Pakistan’s most unexpected defeats. More recently, he was unable to close out a final over in a domestic league match in Australia.
🚨🚨Haris Rauf dropped from T20 World Cup squad, even Pakistani selector’s have shown him his face for barking unnecessary on ground and doing nothing for team.😃
— Anuj Yadav (@Hello_anuj) January 25, 2026
He had given 50 runs in 3.4 over without wicket in last match played against India.
pic.twitter.com/ndcn4W6KSe
During the squad announcement in Lahore, Pakistan Cricket Board officials explained that Rauf’s exclusion was based on tactical considerations rather than public reaction. Director of High Performance Aqib Javed said the team was selected according to playing conditions in Sri Lanka, where Pakistan will contest most of its matches.
White ball head coach Michael Hesson added that the squad included only three specialist fast bowlers, chosen for their ability to operate effectively in all phases of a match. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Salman Mirza were selected ahead of Rauf for this reason.
Officials also confirmed that Mohammad Rizwan was left out because the team wanted a wicketkeeper who could bat in the middle order, with Usman Khan preferred for that role.
Pakistan will begin its World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, competing in Group A alongside India, the United States, Namibia and the Netherlands.
The reaction highlights how individual performances in high profile matches shape fan narratives, especially in one of cricket’s most intense rivalries.
