Babar Azam’s debate is so yesterday; today it’s Haris Rauf’s T20 WC fate

WEB DESK: Yesterday Pakistani netizens found themselves amid a hot and heavy debate about whether Babar Azam should retain the captaincy, or even the membership, of Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 11. Steve Smith’s BBL performance in comparison to Babar’s gave Pakistani social media a field day. However, today it’s a new kid on the block… and for a different tournament.

Just as Pakistanis debated Babar Azam’s PSL future, Haris Rauf is now at the center of a social media storm. The fast bowler’s inclusion in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup is under intense scrutiny following his lackluster performance in the Asia Cup Final.

Pakistan’s head coach, Mike Hesson, reportedly has reservations about Rauf making the squad, citing recent form. Yet, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the selectors appear to back the pacer, suggesting the final call could still swing in Rauf’s favor, according to some “insider” accounts on Pakistani X (formerly Twitter).

Social media reactions are electric. One cricket fan tweeted, “Tbh… We have no replacement for Haris Rauf,” calling him “A proved Match Winner.”

Others, however, are calling for fresh options. “There’s still time to include Zaman Khan in the T20 World Cup squad.”

Then there are Lahore Qalandar fans who have a fondness for Haris Rauf primarily because of his unpredictable nature which can as easily throw off the opponents as it can spell disaster for the men in green themselves.

Rauf’s explosive pace and knack for game-changing moments have earned him a reputation as Pakistan’s go-to death-over specialist. But consistency at the international stage remains a concern, fueling the polarizing debate among fans, analysts, and former cricketers alike.

With the World Cup just weeks away, social media is buzzing with predictions, counterarguments, and fiery opinions, all centered on whether Haris Rauf deserves his spot or if a new star should be unleashed on the global stage.

One thing is clear: whatever the final decision, Haris Rauf’s T20 World Cup fate has united Pakistani cricket fans in a storm of passion, tweets, and GIFs – the kind of hype only cricket in Pakistan can generate.