Haris Rauf punished badly by PCB after India humiliation in Asia Cup 2025

Haris Rauf, the right-arm speedster from Pakistan, is likely to be dropped from the Pakistan National T20I squad for the upcoming series against South Africa.

Pakistan had a heartbreaking end to their Asia Cup 2025 campaign, as they had lost all important matches against India in the continental championship. One of the core reasons Pakistan failed to defend the set target in the Asia Cup final was Haris Rauf.

The fast bowler was hit for 50 runs in just 22 balls of his spell, as the likes of Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma both attacked the right-arm speedster when India needed quick runs down the order.

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Haris Rauf is likely to be dropped for the South Africa T20s

Other than being hit for a large number of runs, Haris Rauf was also part of the controversy between Indian and Pakistani players. His controversial gestures ignited the flames, as the matter was escalated to the ICC. The player was also fined a portion of his match fees after the ICC found him guilty of the offence.

Haris Rauf had a decent Asia Cup campaign, especially in terms of wickets, as he bagged 9 wickets in just 5 games. However, he had the worst economy among Pakistani bowlers, as he is often known only for his brute pace.

With the upcoming T20 World Cup, it won't be surprising if Pakistan considers dropping him to provide him with more time to prepare for the crucial ICC event. Hence, it is likely that Haris Rauf will be dropped from the Pakistani T20 side. Some reports have also claimed that the likes of Mohammad Wasim Jr. or Abbas Afridi might be drawn into the Pakistani squad.

🚨 Haris Rauf is likely to be dropped for T20 series against South Africa (Geo News) pic.twitter.com/Bp7URiBsVg

— junaiz (@dhillow_) October 8, 2025

Pakistan is considering another chance for Saim Ayub

Another name in the Pakistan squad that has been controversial since the Asia Cup is the opening batter Saim Ayub. The young Pakistani cricketer has slowly evolved as an all-format white-ball cricketer across formats.

The batter has scored several runs for Pakistan in recent times; however, his form in the shortest format of the game has been a major concern. He has scored 4 ducks in the continental championship out of the 7 games they appeared in.

Though the selectors have mentioned handing an opportunity to young cricketers like Saim Ayub as well as Mohammad Haris, who also lacked form in the recently concluded Asia Cup.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan's return is yet to be initiated by the PCB

While the wicket-keeper batsman Mohammed Rizwan has been retained in his position as the skipper of the One-day internationals, Salman Agha will continue as their T20I skipper for the upcoming series against South Africa.

The two great batsmen of Pakistan cricket, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, were dropped from the Asia Cup squad. However, there are likely chances of them making a comeback into the side.

Meanwhile, no consensus has been reached yet on the return of Babar Azam or Mohammed Rizwan to the T20I side, indicating the ongoing discussions within the Pakistan Cricket Board.

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