"Pakistan cricket is a circus"- Twitter reacts to Haris Rauf's snub from PAK vs AUS T20 squad

Fans lash out after Haris Rauf's snub (Source: @gullypoint_/x.com)

The T20 World Cup 2026 is inching closer, and teams are checking their final preparations, aiming for a successful outing. As part of those preparations, Pakistan have unveiled a star-studded squad for their last T20I series against Australia ahead of the marquee event.

As some of the big names secured their places, Haris Rauf’s omission has turned heads. The surprising snub of the veteran pacer has ignited a storm on the internet, leaving fans furious and questioning Pakistan’s selection call.

Fans erupt in anger over Haris Rauf’s shocking snub

Controversy and Pakistan cricket are now inseparable, as Haris Rauf’s questionable commission proved the fact right once again. As the Men in Green are all set to face Australia in a three-match T20I series, they unveiled a star-studded 16-member squad.

As some of the big names are set to return in T20 action, Rauf’s absence has grabbed the attention. Representing Pakistan last time in the shortest format in the Asia Cup 2025 final last year, he has been missing out of the squad, and another setback added to his journey.

Being away from the international assignment, the veteran Pakistani pacer has shattered the BBL 2025-26 with his exceptional performances. Following his shock omission, fans vented their anger, openly questioning the PCB’s bizarre decision to leave Haris Rauf out of the squad.

Ameer Hamza Asif

@AmeerHamzaAsif

Haris Rauf might have failed Pakistan on a few occasions, but the dimension he brings to the current T20 side is something no one else offers. #HarisRauf

Jan 23, 2026, 2:30 PM

Shahid Baloch🇵🇰

@doctor_sha888

@KazmiWajahat Babar is back it is good thing but why they removed Haris Rauf?

Ashar Jawad

@AsharJawad

@RayhamUnplugged Not sure if that's good news for Pakistan or Australia. While Haris Rauf can go for runs, he's the only bowler capable of taking a cluster of wickets and change the game.

𝘚. 𝘏𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘳

@Hashir_63

@dhillow_ It’s hard to understand the criteria behind selecting Babar Azam while excluding Haris Rauf. This is blatant injustice and a total mockery of merit . Shame on PCT, Aqib Javed and @CoachHesson for this.

👑

@VK_FAN_FOREVER_

The only Pakistani who has done well in BBL 2025 is Haris Rauf Pakistan's selection committee is so funny they leave out performing in-form players and pick liabilities in their side 🤣🤣

Haris Rauf sets the BBL on fire with sensational performances

Being absent from Pakistan’s limited-overs setup, Haris Rauf stepped into the BBL arena, and they saw the fiercest form of the bowler. Donning the Melbourne Stars jersey, he set the big stage on fire as the opponent batters faced the heat. Starting the campaign with a spell of 2/33, he just got better with time.

Rauf is setting the BBL 2025–26 on fire, leading the wicket charts with 20 scalps from just 11 matches at an impressive economy of 8.23. As the Melbourne Stars ended their journey for the ongoing season in the knockouts, Rauf’s performance has been one of the biggest highlights for them.

Will Pakistan head into the T20 World Cup 2026 without Haris?

Haris Rauf’s omission sparked questions among the cricket fans. After his performance in the Asia Cup final sparked criticism, his BBL performance is more than impressive, as the T20I series against Australia is starting on January 29; they will play the last match of the series on February 1.

As the T20 World Cup 2026 is starting on February 7, there is less possibility of bringing any change in the squad. Like many other teams, Pakistan appear to be sticking with the core group from their most recent T20I series as they lock in plans for the mega event.

If that happens, then Rauf will be missing out on the marquee tournament. As they are yet to announce the T20 World Cup 2026 squad, fans are looking forward to a crazy turnaround.