Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf revealed that he is back bowling in the nets and “feeling comfortable” after his injury in the recently-concluded tri-series in Pakistan. The Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf also said that it would be the Pakistan team management’s decision whether he would be picked for Pakistan cricket team’s opening game against New Zealand.
There were doubts over Haris Rauf playing for Pakistan in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and UAE after he sustained a muscular strain in his lower chest wall in the first match of the recently-concluded three-nation event involving Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa. was then rested — but only as a precaution — by the Pakistan Cricket Board and not played throughout the tri-nation series.
Haris Rauf’s international career – A glimpse
In a concerning development for Pakistan, experienced fast bowler Haris Rauf doesn’t seem to have fully recovered from the muscular strain around his chest wall. It’s worth mentioning that Haris Rauf was sidelined from the Tri-Series at home after failing to complete his quota of overs in the inaugural match against New Zealand.
Haris Rauf has been a vital cog in Pakistan’s ODI setup, having scalped 83 wickets in 46 matches at an average of 25.7 and an impressive strike rate of 26.7. Known for his ability to operate at a searing pace, Rauf has complimented Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, forming the core of Pakistan’s bowling unit.
Haris has a haul of 83 wickets in 46 one-day internationals and another 110 wickets in 79 T20 internationals, having built his reputation as a specialist white ball bowler.
However, according to a video released by Geo Super, Haris Rauf felt discomfort after bowling only two overs in the net session ahead of the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand. The media agency claimed that although Haris Rauf resumed bowling after feeling slightly better, he couldn’t sustain the momentum and was eventually attained by the massager for 20-25 minutes.
Haris Rauf is one of the first-choice players in Pakistan’s playing XI for the tournament opener. However, if he doesn’t get fully fit, the hosts might bring Mohammad Hasnain or Faheem Ashraf as their third seamer for the inaugural Champions Trophy match vs New Zealand
Meanwhile, Haris Rauf seemed quite optimistic while talking about his recovery from the injury. He was satisfied with his progress, stating that he had been practising with more intensity and didn’t feel much pain during the training sessions.
Key Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf resumes bowling in the nets ahead of Champions Trophy 2025
Key Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has resumed bowling in the nets ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. He had sustained a muscular strain during the recently concluded Tri-nation series in Pakistan.
While there are doubts over his participation in the Champions Trophy 2025, Haris Rauf said that it is up to the team management whether he plays their opening game against New Zealand on February 19.
Rauf stated that he has resumed bowling and is feeling comfortable.
“I have started doing exercises a few days back and also resumed bowling since yesterday. I am feeling comfortable and my body is okay now the team management will decide about my playing in the opening match,” he was quoted as saying by PTI (via The Indian Express).
After he sustained a muscular strain in the first match of the tri-nation series, Haris Rauf was rested by the PCB as a precautionary measure and did not play in the remainder of the series.
Further, PCB also released a statement which said that Haris Rauf’s injury is not serious and that he is expected to be fully fit to play the Champions Trophy.
“The injury is not serious and he is expected to be fully recovered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which commences in Karachi on 19 February,” the statement read.
Haris Rauf is among Pakistan’s key pacers and will have an important role to play for the defending champions. He has played 46 ODIs and picked up 83 wickets in his career so far. Meanwhile, Pakistan have gone with just Abrar Ahmed as their only specialist spinner in their Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Pacer Haris Rauf, however, played it down.
Rauf stated that the likes of Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, and Kamran Ghulam are the other spin bowling options in the side.
“I think we have always formed a good bowling combination with pace and spin and it will not be different in the tournament,” he said.
Pakistan will play against arch-rivals India in the much-awaited clash on February 23 in Dubai but will open the Champions Trophy on 19th February with an equally important match vs the New Zealand.