Pakistan’s ace fast bowler and T20I skipper, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has expressed his support for Haris Rauf’s return to form ahead of the T20 World Cup, endorsing him as not just the standout bowler for Lahore Qalandars but also for the entire nation.
Haris Rauf’s performance has declined notably since the 2023 World Cup, despite his 16 wickets in the tournament. The 30-year-old has struggled, evident from his high boundary leakages and challenging outings. In the recent T20I series against New Zealand, he managed seven wickets in four matches but at an expensive economy rate of 10.62.
He is a strong player and knows how to bounce back- Shaheen Shah Afridi on Haris Rauf
In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed his belief that Haris Rauf has the resilience to bounce back from his recent challenges. Afridi, Pakistan’s newly-appointed T20 captain, commented on Rauf’s situation.
Just like batsmen face tough times without scoring runs, bowlers also have such phases. Haris is going through a tough time, but after difficulties come ease because he is a strong player and knows how to bounce back. He is not just Lahore Qalandars’ but Pakistan’s best bowler, so it’s important for him to find his form again.”
Haris Rauf faced a new controversy when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) terminated his central contract for skipping the Test tour of Australia. Consequently, he is currently prohibited from participating in any overseas T20 leagues.
This is a good opportunity for all of us to prepare for the T20 World Cup- Shaheen Shah Afridi on PSL
Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed his enjoyment of captaincy across all levels and expressed hope that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) would provide valuable preparation for players ahead of the T20 World Cup. The southpaw conveyed these sentiments in an interview with Cricket Pakistan.
I am enjoying leading my team. I am trying to take the team along with me. It’s a great opportunity because I am not just the captain of Lahore Qalandars but also of Pakistan, so I am taking the players along as well, and enjoying it. This is a good opportunity for all of us to prepare for the T20 World Cup.”
The T20 World Cup 2024 is set to be held in June, with matches scheduled in the USA and the West Indies. One of the marquee matches, Pakistan vs. India, will take place in New York.
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