Pakistan pace bowler Haris Rauf has joined the Adelaide Strikers for the full duration of the Big Bash League (BBL 16) 2026-27 season.
Since 2019, the 32-year-old has featured in 33 Big Bash fixtures for the Melbourne Stars, but he will now suit up for the Strikers for the upcoming tournament.
Head coach Tim Paine included Haris Rauf as one of three international signings in his roster, alongside former England captain Ben Stokes and New Zealand batsman Mark Chapman.
The Pakistan speedster shared his enthusiasm regarding his move to the Strikers and the chance to team up with key members of the club.
"The Strikers have a strong squad with world-class players like Ben Stokes, Matt Short (Strikers captain) and Mark Chapman, so I'm really excited about the opportunity to play alongside them," Rauf said in a statement.
"We've got a talented group and I'm looking forward to contributing wherever I can to help the team push deep into the finals and compete for a championship."
Rauf comes back to the tournament after claiming 20 wickets last season, matching his career-best total. BBL 15 proved to be his most productive tournament since his initial year with the Melbourne Stars, where he originally started as an injury substitute for South African pace great Dale Steyn.
He rapidly emerged as one of the competition's quickest bowlers, grabbing attention by taking a hat-trick during his debut Big Bash appearance and securing a spot in the official Team of the Tournament for BBL|09.
Last season brought him the same recognition due to his steady output.
Tim Paine, head coach of the Adelaide Strikers, stated that Rauf brings speed and valuable experience to the roster.
"Haris (Rauf) is a proven match-winner who has performed at the highest level in international cricket and franchise competitions around the world," Paine said.
"He's one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket and has the ability to change a game in an instant. We're thrilled to welcome Haris to Adelaide for the entire tournament.
"Having all of our international players available for the entire tournament was a key priority throughout our recruitment process and we believe it will be a significant advantage for our side."
