Haris Rauf eyes Test return as Pakistan search for fast-bowling options

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has expressed his desire to return to Test cricket with the national team in a desperate search for express pacers. Rauf is currently playing in the President's Trophy Grade 1 first-class tournament to grab the attention of selectors for a Test recall ahead of the two-match home series against Sri Lanka in November.

He picked up his third five-wicket haul (5/ 34 in 13 overs) in first-class cricket in the opening round of the President's Trophy, playing for Pakistan Television (PTV). His terrific bowling display helped his side make Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) follow on before the match ended in a draw.

"There's always a purpose that is driving you when you play cricket. I’m trying to put my name forward for the Sri Lanka series, and Pakistan is also in need [of a fast bowler]. Let's see what happens in the future as there are quite a few games to go [in the President's Trophy],” Rauf said in a video released by his department.

Rauf’s only Test appearance came in December 2022 against England, which was cut short by an injury as he was taken off the field after he rolled over the ball while fielding on Day 1. He was subsequently diagnosed with a tear in his quad muscle. He bowled only 13 overs, conceding 78 runs and picking up one wicket.

Rauf was removed from the PCB’s centrally contracted players list in February 2024 following disciplinary proceedings after he made himself unavailable for Pakistan’s three-Test tour of Australia, citing workload and fitness concerns. The board also withheld No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for his participation in overseas T20 leagues until June that year. However, within six weeks, the PCB reversed its decision and reinstated Rauf’s central contract.

However, Rauf has not been considered for Test cricket since. He has instead established himself primarily as a white-ball specialist, representing Pakistan in ODIs and T20Is while continuing to play franchise cricket around the world.

Rauf's first class career

Since making his first-class debut in October 2019, Rauf has played just 14 matches, taking 47 wickets at an average of 27.04. His last appearance before the ongoing President's Trophy came in October 2025, during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

Rauf also revealed how he has been consistently playing the longer format whenever he’s getting chances.

"I played four-day cricket in the last season and spent time in Grade-II cricket before the [ODI] series against Australia as well. You look to improve yourself by playing the longer format whenever you get time. I had time to work on myself right now with the series against Sri Lanka and England coming up so I am looking to avail it. This is the best preparation,” Rauf added.

There’s a high chance that Pakistan selectors would be open to bringing Rauf back into the team, especially after they recently took uncapped Razaullah as one of seven replacements for the last Test against England at Edgbaston. The youngster immediately stood out from the rest of the attack that bowled in the 120-130kph range.

Pakistan have played Test series against Bangladesh, West Indies, and England in 2026, and the average pace of their fast bowlers has been below that of the hosts in all three series, a massive decline for a country known for producing exceptional fast bowlers one after the other.