Pakistan’s World Cup 2027 Squad: Who Could Make Way For Razaullah’s Rapid Rise?

Pakistan's Haris Rauf with other players, Razaullah (In Circle) | Source: AFP PhotosSouth Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe will co-host World Cup 2027, with 14 teams to play for the all prestigious title next year during the October-November window. While all teams have almost formed their core for the upcoming mega ICC event, Pakistan are in all sorts of trouble.To add to the headaches, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson confirmed they will give Razaullah ample opportunities in the white-ball series in the coming months. If that happens for real and he does well, things will tweak a little bit in order to finalise Pakistan’s World Cup 2027 squad.Who could be ousted from Pakistan’s scheme of things if Razaullah keeps on doing wonders in white-ball cricket as well? Let’s take a look at the possible candidates who could be at the receiving end of it when World Cup 2027 begins.Naseem ShahNaseem Shah was on the bench during Pakistan’s last ODI series against Australia. His last ODI came in November 2025 against Sri Lanka. There, Naseem took 2/55 and 0/63, which the PCB later found underwhelming and used to justify keeping him on the bench.Also Read: PCB Unhappy With Naseem Shah? Pacer Likely To Be Dropped From WI, England TestsKeeping in mind that Pakistan’s World Cup 2027 squad will focus on pacers more than spinners due to the favourable conditions, Naseem Shah’s exit from the squad is all but certain. And if Razaullah keeps on breathing fire, there is little doubt that he will be the top choice to be the X-factor for Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s current ODI captain.Faheem AshrafNot only did Razaullah show early promising signs while bowling at a rapid pace, but he also let his bat do the talking to stamp his authority for Pakistan’s No. 8 role in ODIs. If that keeps on happening, Pakistan’s out-of-form bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf’s place in Pakistan’s World Cup 2027 squad is expected to be gone.Across three ODIs in 2026, Faheem took only one wicket while having an economy rate of 6.1. Even with the bat, he has a strike rate of just over 73 in this calendar year, having made only 60 runs in three opportunities.Mohammad Wasim JnrAhead of Naseem, Pakistan gave Mohammad Wasim Jnr an opportunity to shine during Bangladesh ODIs. He failed to pull off anything significant.Wasim Jnr had an economy rate of 6 runs per over across two matches while picking up two wickets. With Haris Rauf and Shaheen’s places in Pakistan’s World Cup 2027 squad all but secured, there is a high chance that Razaullah will replace Mohammad Wasim Jnr, having got the PCB’s backing.ConclusionOf course, there is still plenty of time left before the beginning of the World Cup 2027, and given Pakistan’s reputation, things can change quickly, as they often do.However, for now, the above-mentioned candidates face the risk of missing Pakistan’s World Cup 2027 squad if Razaullah makes the cut.Also Read: Naman Dhir's Sher-e-Punjab Brilliance Demands a Bigger MI Role in IPL 2027