Bizarre scenes took place during Lahore Qalandar’s event ahead of the 2026 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where the franchise’s captain, the left-arm pacer of the national side, Shaheen Shah Afridi, was present. It was one of the questions from Afridi, where he asked the fans whether they want the prime pacer of the side, Haris Rauf, in the next edition of the tournament. 

Quite shockingly, the fans denied the inclusion of the pacer as the video went viral on social media platforms. Haris Rauf has overall picked up 83 wickets for the Lahore franchise in seven seasons of the tournament, with 17 wickets coming in 12 innings at an average of 25.70, thanks to the best bowling figures of 4/31 in the last season.

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He has been excellent in the middle overs, making it hard for the batters to play his thunderbolt deliveries, with Afridi himself picking up wickets with the new ball inside the power play. Their partnership with the ball has brought several successes for the side in the last few seasons of the event.

Lahore Qalandars fans deny Haris Rauf’s inclusion ahead of PSL 2026

The question actually came from the left-handed opening batter of the side, Fakhar Zaman, who is also a successful campaigner for the team with close to 3000 runs in 97 innings at a strike rate of more than 140, thanks to two centuries and 23 half-centuries.

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The previous season of the tournament was his second successful campaign when he notched up 439 runs in 13 innings at an average of over 33 and a strike rate of more than 150, thanks to his four half-centuries at the best score of 76 runs.

In the previous season of the tournament, Lahore won the championship on the penultimate ball against the Quetta Gladiators at the Gaddafi Stadium by 6 wickets, where their number four batter, Kushal Perera, ended as the leading run-getter individually with 62 undefeated runs in 31 deliveries, thanks to his five boundaries and four sixes.

The upcoming T20 World Cup in 2026 will commence in a month, with the tournament's squad formation having been completed for most teams already. India, Australia and England have stated their playing XI; however, Pakistan has only advised that its provisional squad consists of 16 players, with the management monitoring other players closely for performance and fitness levels. After the conclusion of Pakistan's T20I Series against Sri Lanka, a final squad will be announced and chosen based on performance, combinations tested and any changes necessary before the T20 World Cup.

Since there has been a delay in the announcement of the squad officially, there are a number of players that may not be selected for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Team; consideration will be given to inconsistent performances or balancing of the team. Players who have been performing poorly, or do not match what the team requires from a strategic standpoint, may not make the cut and will need to make an impression in the series against Sri Lanka to be selected as part of the final squad. The management is searching for a competitive side that has balanced team composition to compete with the top teams on the World Stage. Three players are;

Haris Rauf

During the Asia Cup 2025 final against India when Pakistan lost, Haris Rauf was identified as Pakistan's premier T20 pace bowler; however, Haris has been experiencing a decline in form. His inability to produce economically affordable overs resulted in his failure to deliver for the national team when it mattered. Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah and a fit Shaheen Afridi are available as dependable seam options, perhaps leaving little incentive for a fourth seamer to play at the Sri Lankan venues. Haris' T20I statistics in 2025 (23 wickets from 15 matches at an economy rate of 9.11) indicate the mounting pressure he continues to face.

Over the past three years, Haris' economy rate has increased from 7.76, in 2023, to 9.11, in 2025. The increase in his economy has impacted the results of numerous matches, with Haris unable to keep crucial runs at bay during the most critical stages of matches, which have cost the team at very important times (Asia Cup Final, Brisbane Heat) and has led to some losses. With the national selectors now having three confirmed pacers available along with the ongoing recovery of Shaheen Afridi, it is likely they will omit Haris from the T20 World Cup Squad and utilise their resources for more reliable and consistent bowlers for the marquee tournament.

See Also: PSL New Teams Auction 2026: Live Streaming, Telecast & Where to Watch Worldwide

Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman has had a terrible year in 2025; his T20 International performances have not been at the level expected of him, and as such, he has been moved down the order to make way for other star players who play in the top order. He has also suffered from injuries, as well as a lack of good form, which have both been major impediments to his ability to perform on a consistent basis. In fact, this year alone, he has played in 22 T20I matches and scored just 512 runs at a strike rate of 127.68, with only two fifties; thus, it is clear that the high strike rate that an opening batsman is expected to produce is no longer attainable for Fakhar.

The difficulties he has experienced with his form have also extended into the ILT20, where he scored just 260 runs in his 12 games with a strike rate of 124.40. Additionally, given that Pakistan currently has several options available to them at the top of the order in Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, and Babar Azam, it is unlikely that Fakhar will receive an opportunity to bat in his preferred opening position. Furthermore, the Pakistan team has numerous options available in the middle order that could take his place; therefore, if he does not regain his form, he could potentially be dropped from the T20 World Cup squad by the selectors.

Babar Azam

Since being dropped from the T20I squad for the Asia Cup, Babar Azam received a message from the Head Coach of Pakistan, Mike Hesson, to improve his strike rate. However, even when Babar was returned to the T20I squad, he continued to have a lower strike-rate tempo during his innings. In the next series that followed when Pakistan faced South Africa and Babar played three matches against them, he scored 79 runs at a strike rate of 117.91 and during the Tri-nation series where he played five matches, he scored 127 runs at a strike rate of 112.39. His stats illustrate that Babar remains unable to increase his scoring rate while playing T20 cricket at present times.

Babar's struggles continued in the BBL 2025, where although he scored two 50s (fifties) in the tournament, he only had a strike rate of 111; even in a batting friendly environment, Babar struggled to dominate. Since the T20 World Cup will be played in Sri Lanka where the majority of the pitches are slower, this environment may not be suitable for Babar as he may need to play in more of an aggressive mode at the top of the order as opposed to being an anchor. Considering that he has not consistently performed at a high level while playing attacking cricket, Babar's role with the squad in a batting-friendly environment where quick runs are the goal remains questionable.

Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the second match of the one-day series played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Friday. The 3-match ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has begun, and the series has started on a positive note for the hosts. 

In a high-scoring match, Pakistan scored a thrilling win in the 1st ODI. Pakistan successfully defended the target of 299 runs. Salman Agha was the standout performer for Pakistan, scoring a match-winning 105 runs off just 87 balls. 

Also Read: PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction 2nd ODI match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

PAK vs SL Match Details

• Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI

• Date: 14th November 2025

• Time: 3.00 PM IST

• Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

PAK vs SL Weather Report

Pitch Report

The average first-inning score at the venue in one-day internationals is around 270 runs.

Top Batters to Watch – PAK vs SL

• Salman Agha (PAK): 105 runs in this Series 

• Hussain Talat (PAK): 62 runs in this Series 

• Wanindu Hasaranga (SL): 59 runs in this Series 

Top Bowlers to Watch – PAK vs SL

• Haris Rauf (PAK): 4 wickets in this Series 

• Wanindu Hasaranga (SL): 3 wickets in this Series 

• Faheem Ashraf (PAK): 2 wickets in this Series 

PAK vs SL Recent Form

PAK vs SL Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If SL Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–50

• Predicted Total: 270- 280

• Match Result: PAK to win

Scenario 2: If PAK Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 55–60

• Predicted Total: 290–300

• Match Result: PAK to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

PAK vs SL Predicted Playing XIs

Sri Lanka

Charith Asalanka (captain), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Layenge, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasranaga, Pramod Madushan.

Pakistan 

Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed

PAK vs SL Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

We predict that Pakistan will win the 2nd ODI match. The likes of Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf and Salman Agha will be key players to watch out for.

PAK vs SL Match FAQs

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been suspended for two matches after the latest official verdict from the International Cricket Council (ICC), as the pacer missed the first ODI of the three-match home ODI series against South Africa on Tuesday (November 4). Here we can know the reason for his suspension. 

Why has Haris Rauf been suspended for two games?

The Asia Cup 2025 was in the heat whenever India faced Pakistan. They faced thrice, including the Final, and all were in the hot atmospheres due to various reasons. During the matches against India, Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf repeatedly made provocative gestures. The ICC statement confirmed that Rauf was found guilty in two separate incidents during the group stage (September 14) and the Final (September 28) against India in the Asia Cup 2025, as his conduct was noted "that brings the game into disrepute" as per Article 2.21.

Rauf has been punished with a total of four demerit points, two demerit points from each game, which equals two suspension points, as the fast bowler will miss two international matches for Pakistan. So, apart from the ODI series opener, Rauf will also miss the second game of the series, scheduled on Thursday (November 6). Apart from receiving two demerit points from each match, Rauf has also been fined 30% of his match fees from each fixture.  

See Also: Drug addiction ends cricket legend's career ahead of T20 World Cup

There are more demerit points for Indian and Pakistan players 

Meanwhile, Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has been fined 30 percent of his match fees and handed two demerit points for breaching Article 2.21 in relation to their group stage meeting against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. In relation to the same match, Pakistan cricketer Sahibzada Farzan has been issued an official warning and handed one demerit point. 

Indian right-arm fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has also been issued an official warning and handed one demerit point for breaching Article 2.21 during the Asia Cup 2025 Final against Pakistan.

On the other hand, another Indian left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was charged with a breach of Article 2.6 during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Six clash against Pakistan, which was related to any gesture that is obscene, offensive, or insulting for actions. However, Singh ultimately hasn't been punished with anything, as the match referee Andy Pycroft didn't find him guilty. 

Pakistan were ahead during the second innings of the Asia Cup 2025 final against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Even after putting a low score on the board of just 146 runs in their allotted 20 overs of the first innings. They were able to pick three wickets in just four overs for 20 runs, which was a huge advantage. 

The expectation was high from their expressive fast bowler, Haris Rauf, who could have controlled the contest with his pace on a slow surface. But he wasn’t regular with his line and length and couldn’t hold the situation as India looked to get an advantage with the bat in the middle overs. And the former Pakistan captain, Wasim Akram, bashed Rauf’s poor bowling.

See Also: Know what Indian players said after winning their ninth title of Asia Cup in 2025

“He is a run machine against India. I don't mean any disrespect, but he doesn’t play red ball cricket, and that is why he can’t improve. "His run-up is not the smoothest -- I was speaking to Waqar and he reiterated that not playing red ball cricket is the reason.” Akram expressed at the end of the clash.

Wasim Akram bashes Haris Rauf’s poor bowling during Asia Cup 2025 final

Rauf couldn’t follow the instructions from the captain and coach, and leaked runs to lose the momentum in the game. He gave away 50 runs in just 22 balls of the innings at an economy rate of 13.60, which never helped the pacer to show his dominance with the ball in the first innings.

“Don’t allow them to play league cricket. Any contracted player who wants a monthly salary needs to play a certain amount of FC cricket.” Akram expressed during the post-match analysis, when the former head coach of the Indian side, Ravi Shastri, also addressed the same issue.

Pakistan posted 146 runs in the first innings as Sahibzada Farhan celebrated a fine half-century before the Indian spinners went through the opponent’s batting line-up easily. India, despite the early thrill, managed to complete the chase by five wickets thanks to the unbeaten knock of 69 runs in 53 balls at a strike rate of 130.19 with the help of three boundaries and four sixes.

In the Asia Cup final, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bowl first. Pakistan started well. The opening pair scored 84 runs. Sahibzada Farhan made 57 runs. Fakhar Zaman made 46 runs. At that time, the Pakistani batters put Bumrah under pressure.

But when the Indian spinners came, Pakistan lost the game. After the first three batters, no one else scored more than 10 runs. Pakistan was all out for 146 runs. Kuldeep Yadav took 4 wickets.

In reply, India batted and lost 3 wickets for 20 runs. Then Tilak Verma built an important 57-run partnership with Sanju Samson. After that, he made another partnership with Shivam Dube and took India to victory. Even though Dube got out, Tilak stayed strong. He finished unbeaten on 69 runs and won the match for India.

Also Read -Know what Indian players said after winning their ninth title of Asia Cup in 2025

Tilak Varma seals India’s win

With India needing 10 runs off the final over, Tilak Varma ran a couple of runs after a mistake, then hit a six to reduce the pressure. He pulled a back-of-length delivery that cleared the ropes easily. Head coach Gautam Gambhir celebrated as the ball went over the boundary. Earlier, Tilak had taken on Haris Rauf in the 15th over, scoring 17 runs, including a couple of boundaries, which eased the pressure on India before the final overs.

TILAK's SIX vs RAUF WILL BE IN THE HEART OF ALL INDIAN CRICKET FANS. 😍👑 pic.twitter.com/zfaEwKZyEH

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 28, 2025

A knock to remember

Tilak Varma finished unbeaten on 69 runs off 53 balls in the Asia Cup 2025 final. He was doubtful for the final after hurting himself while trying to take a catch in the last Super 4 game against Sri Lanka. But he was fit and played an amazing innings. His knock included three fours and four sixes, with a strike rate of 130.19. This was his fourth T20I fifty, with the last one also coming in a tense run chase against England in Chennai.

Haris Rauf, the expressive fast bowler of the Pakistan side, had already been in the news during the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. And even after getting fined for his action in the last couple of days, Rauf continued to have a go at the Indian side with bad actions even during the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan didn’t post a good score with the board, even after a strong opening partnership of 84 runs in 9.4 overs. Their opening batter, Sahibzada Farhan, celebrated another half-century with the bat. However, their middle order couldn’t contribute much to the scorecard as none of the batters apart from the top three got into double figures.

See Also: [WATCH] Shaheen Afridi's brilliant catch sends back Shubman Gill during IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final

India lost their top three in just four overs for 20 runs. Haris Rauf had a go at India when he grabbed the fine catch of Abhishek Sharma to dismiss the batter for five runs in six balls. The southpaw has been in tremendous form during the tournament with three successive half-centuries, but couldn’t repeat the same show in the final.

Watch: Haris Rauf continues to taunt India with ‘Rafale down’ gesture during Asia Cup 2025 final

Faheem Ashraf was clever enough to bowl a slow outside the arc of the batter as Abhishek looked to nail the big shot outside the 30-yard circle. But he couldn’t get the anticipated elevation off the blade, and that just took the ball in the air where Haris Rauf grabbed the catch and showed the rafale down to the fans to recall the Operation Sindhoor.

Haris Rauf celebrates Rafale Down after taking the catch of Shubman Gill 😂🚀 #AsiaCupFinal #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/uvEKiVfo8I

— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) September 28, 2025

For Pakistan, Rauf was ordinary with the bat as he ended up, leaking 37 runs in his three overs. Tilak Verma has celebrated a fine half-century during the chase, while the biggest contribution from the fifth stand came from Shivam Dube, who cracked 28 runs in 18 balls by the end of 18 overs.

India’s three spinners, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel, were excellent with the ball as they shared eight wickets between them while Jasprit Bumrah finished with two wickets, bundling out the Pakistan side before 20 overs.

In the final of the Asia Cup 2025, Jasprit Bumrah gave India a memorable moment by removing Haris Rauf for just 6 runs off 4 balls at 17.5 overs. After Bumrah took the wicket, he shocked everyone and did a “fighter-jet down” celebration, which mocked the very signature style of Rauf. The celebration quickly became a talking point, showing India's total dominance of the match.

Bumrah is usually calm with his celebrations, but this one stood out because of its history. Earlier in the tournament, Haris Rauf had done the same gesture against India in the Super Four stage, which led to a fine and suspension of his match fee. Seeing Bumrah use the same move was taken as a sharp reply, adding extra spice to the high-voltage clash.

At the time of Rauf’s wicket, Pakistan was already in big trouble at 141/9. After starting well, their batting had completely fallen apart. India’s spinners created the pressure, and Bumrah’s strike sealed Pakistan’s collapse in the death overs.

Pakistan’s Collapse and India’s Bowling Power

Pakistan’s innings turned from promising to disastrous very quickly. Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) gave them a strong 84-run opening stand. But after that, the middle order and lower order failed badly. Pakistan lost 9 wickets for only 33 runs and were bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs. Saim Ayub scored 14, while Salman Ali Agha made 8. Mohammad Haris fell for a duck, and players like Nawaz, Talat, Afridi, Faheem, and Abrar could not add much.

Watch the video here

Bumrah Bhai Cooked💀🔥#indvspak2025 #IndianCricket #IndiaVsPakistan #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/v5PNrnK2sN

— ̷𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐘 𝐎𝐆™ (@Mahakal75695213) September 28, 2025

See Also: WATCH: Axar Patel strikes as Mohammad Haris falls for a duck in Asia Cup 2025 Final IND vs PAK

India’s bowlers were brilliant all around. Kuldeep Yadav led the charge with 4 wickets for 30 runs. Axar Patel backed him with 2/26, and Varun Chakravarthy took 2/30. Bumrah ended with 2/25, highlighted by his wicket of Rauf. Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma also bowled tightly. Together, India’s attack made sure Pakistan had no chance of recovery and kept India ahead in the final.

Both teams have dominated throughout the tournament and now face each other in the most-awaited clash of the season. India will rely on Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav. Pakistan will count on Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, and Saim Ayub to deliver in the high-pressure final.

The Indian team will have the upper hand, as they have marched through the tournament undefeated, including two convincing wins over Pakistan in the group stage.

IND vs PAK Match Details

Date: 28th September, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM IST

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

IND vs PAK Weather Report

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Also Read: NEP vs WI Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win the 1st T20I?

Top Batters IND vs PAK

• Abhishek Sharma (IND) - 309 runs in this tournament 

• Sahibzada Farhan (PAK) - 160 runs in this tournament 

• Tilak Varma (IND) - 144 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler IND vs PAK

• Kuldeep Yadav (IND) - 13 wickets in this tournament 

• Shaheen Afridi (PAK) - 9 wickets in this tournament 

• Haris Rauf (PAK) - 9 wickets in this tournament 

IND vs PAK Recent Performance

IND vs PAK Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If IND bats first

• First Innings score prediction - IND is expected to score 175-190 runs

• Result prediction- IND will win the match by 20-30 runs

Scenario 2- If the SL bats first

• First Innings score prediction- PAK is expected to score 140-155 runs.

• Result prediction- IND will win the match by 6 wickets 

IND vs PAK Predicted Playing XI

India (IND) Playing XI 

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Pakistan (PAK) Playing XI 

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha(c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris(w), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.

IND vs PAK Complete Squad

India - 

Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

Pakistan -

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.

IND vs PAK Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

India to win

We predict that India will win this Asia Cup 2025 match. Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill and Kuldeep Yadav will be key players to watch out for.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has taken matters into his own hands to pay the fine levied against fast bowler Haris Rauf by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The fine was issued to Rauf after he was found guilty of inappropriate language during the high-profile Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours match against India. According to Pakistan media outlet Samaa TV, Naqvi has decided to bear the cost himself.

The ICC fined Rauf 30% of his match fee for the offence, amounting to 125,575 PKR, which equals approximately 39,000 INR. Based on Cricket Resolved’s report, Rauf earns 418,584 PKR per T20I, meaning the penalty cut into nearly a third of his earnings from the game. By choosing to pay the fine personally, Naqvi ensured his player was not financially burdened, even posting a light-hearted Cristiano Ronaldo meme referencing the controversial “6-0 jet” gesture that contributed to Rauf’s penalty.

Meanwhile, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was also sanctioned by the ICC for breaching the code of conduct. He was fined an identical 30% of his match fee after making remarks about the Pahalgam terror attack, comments the Pakistan Cricket Board argued had politicised the sport. The ICC confirmed that Suryakumar pleaded not guilty, but match referee Richie Richardson rejected his defence.

Complaints and ICC Sanctions

The heated encounter saw multiple disciplinary flashpoints. Apart from Rauf’s exchange with Indian batters and his boundary-line gesture, teammate Sahibzada Farhan also drew attention for celebrating his half-century with a gun-shot gesture, which earned him an official warning from the referee.

See Also: Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya ruled out of Asia Cup 2025 final? Know their latest fitness update

According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lodged a complaint against both Rauf and Farhan for what it termed unacceptable on-field conduct. On the other hand, the PCB filed two separate complaints against Suryakumar Yadav, even demanding a harsher Level 4 sanction reserved for the most serious breaches. While the ICC stopped short of that, both sides left the fixture with fines and disciplinary marks, underlining the high-pressure nature of the India–Pakistan rivalry.