Cricket

Salman Butt Slams Haris Rauf's Performance in Pakistan's T20 World Cup Loss to USAFormer Pakistan captain Salman Butt has launched a scathing attack on fast bowler Haris Rauf following his underwhelming performance in Pakistan's T20 World Cup match against the USA. Rauf, entrusted with bowling the final over with the USA needing 15 runs to win, conceded a boundary on the last ball, leading to a dramatic finish.Butt, speaking on the 'Cricket Baithak' podcast, expressed his frustration with Rauf's lack of awareness and failure to bowl to the field. "It is not a surprise that he conceded so many runs because he is that kid who doesn't look at his field at all," Butt said. "Mid-off is inside the circle, and yet he bowls full and gets hit for a boundary on the last ball. You can see the captain also screamed at him. When you have mid-off up, then you don't bowl full balls. This is a basic of cricket."Rauf's erratic bowling drew further criticism from Butt, who questioned his professionalism and ability to learn from his mistakes. "He (Haris Rauf) has some weird style when he bowls a ball and just sits on his knees with his hand on his head," Butt continued. "It is as if he incurred a loss in shares or someone robbed him. I don't know what he tries to portray but that is so unprofessional. You never learn anything. They lacked common sense and game awareness."Butt's criticism comes as Pakistan prepares for a high-stakes clash against India on Sunday in New York. The former captain's comments highlight the pressure on Rauf and the Pakistan team to perform in the crucial match.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign has hit a major roadblock after star pacer Haris Rauf was accused of ball tampering during their humiliating defeat against the United States. The allegation, made by former South African pacer Rusty Theron, has cast a dark shadow over Pakistan's hopes of salvaging their tournament.Theron, who is now a member of the USA national cricket team, took to social media to tag the International Cricket Council (ICC) and accuse Rauf of scratching the ball with his nails. He claimed that Rauf was attempting to reverse the ball and gain an unfair advantage over the American batters."Are we just going to pretend Pakistan aren't scratching the hell out of this freshly changed ball? Reversing the ball that's just been changed 2 overs ago? You can literally see Harris Rauf running his thumbnail over the ball at the top of his mark," Theron wrote on X (formerly Twitter).The accusation has not yet been officially lodged by the USA team, but it remains a serious allegation. If proven true, it could result in severe sanctions for Rauf and the Pakistan team.Pakistan's performance against the USA was dismal, with Rauf conceding 37 runs in four overs and taking only one wicket. Captain Babar Azam criticized his bowlers for failing to deliver, despite defending a mediocre total of 159."We are better than that in bowling, we were not able to take wickets in the first six overs. In the middle overs, your spinner is not taking wickets then pressure is on us. After 10 overs, we did come back but I think the way they finished game in the Super Over, the credit goes to the US team," Babar said in the post-match press conference.Pakistan's next match is against arch-rivals India, a crucial encounter that could determine their fate in the tournament. However, the ball-tampering allegation has cast a pall over their preparations and raised questions about the integrity of the team.

Elite athletes often face demanding schedules, leaving little time for personal pursuits. However, Pakistan's Haris Rauf has experienced the unexpected benefits of an enforced break from cricket due to a shoulder injury.After opting out of Pakistan's Test series in Australia to play in the Big Bash, Rauf faced the consequences of his decision with the loss of his central contract. However, fate intervened when an untimely dive during the PSL final resulted in a dislocated shoulder, sidelining him for three months.The extended layoff provided Rauf with an opportunity to reassess his game and recover physically. "I was injured the last few months, but if you believe in yourself, then the layoff can be a blessing in disguise," he said. "Because you have time to recover and reassess your gameplans."Upon his return to competitive cricket in Birmingham, Rauf showcased his resilience, taking two wickets for 34 in his allocated spell. While his Powerplay over proved costly, he maintained consistent pace and accuracy throughout the rest of his spell.Despite Pakistan's loss in the match, Rauf remained optimistic. "When you lose a game it hurts, but as a team, we are confident," he said. "We feel we can beat any opposition on any day. We've done it in the past, too. When you make mistakes you learn and try not to repeat those mistakes."Rauf acknowledged the challenges of returning from a long-term injury, particularly for a fast bowler. "It's hard," he said. "It's a struggle during your rehab, and it's difficult when you come back to maintain that pace and accuracy. But if you believe in yourself, it makes things easier."Pakistan's preparations for the upcoming World Cup include extensive match practice, with 17 T20Is scheduled by the end of this series. Rauf believes that winning the remaining two games against England would boost their confidence, but emphasizes the importance of learning from both victories and defeats."Before the World Cup, if you win a series it gives you confidence, but even if you lose you understand where you made mistakes and you learn from them," he said. "This series is difficult, but we'll try to win it. The focus is of course on the World Cup, which we aim to win to make our country proud."

Pakistan's cricket team has announced its 15-man squad for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, with fast bowler Haris Rauf making a surprising inclusion despite fitness concerns. Rauf, who injured his shoulder during the Pakistan Super League in February, is expected to play in the second Twenty20 international against England on Saturday.The Pakistan Cricket Board's selection committee expressed confidence in Rauf's fitness, stating that he is "full fit and bowling well in the nets." The committee also noted that it would have been ideal for Rauf to have an outing in the first match at Headingley, but they remain optimistic about his progress.Pakistan is the 20th and final team to announce its squad for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States and West Indies from June 1 to June 29. The tournament will feature four groups of five teams, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super Eight Stage.Pakistan's Group A includes arch-rivals India, as well as Canada and Ireland. Pakistan will face the United States in their first match in Dallas on June 6.Fast bowler Hasan Ali, as well as batters Agha Salman and Muhammad Irfan Khan, were left off the squad. Fast bowler Mohammad Amir, the only survivor of Pakistan's 2009 Twenty20 World Cup triumph, is making a comeback after coming out of retirement two months ago.Amir is part of a strong pace attack spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Abbas Afridi. Pakistan lost in the semi-final of the 2021 Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and in the final in Australia in 2022.

Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, recently addressed the media ahead of the team's departure for Ireland and the UK, their final preparatory stop before the T20 World Cup. As usual, Babar faced questions about Pakistan's chances, squad selection, and top-order concerns.Regarding Pakistan's trophy aspirations, Babar reiterated his belief in his team's ability to bring home the title. He emphasized that their aim has always been to win the World Cup, and they remain confident in their chances.One of the key talking points was the inclusion of Haris Rauf and the absence of Mohammad Haris. Babar praised Rauf's fitness and determination, expressing confidence that he will make a strong comeback. However, he acknowledged that Mohammad Haris has not received the opportunities he may have expected after the last T20 World Cup.Babar explained that the top order already includes Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and himself. While Haris belongs in the top order, he has not been able to execute his plans effectively in recent times. The team has opted for the best possible combination, which does not currently include Haris.Another controversial selection was the recall of Hasan Ali, who last played a T20I in 2022. Babar clarified that Hasan is primarily there as backup and is not guaranteed a spot in the World Cup squad. His experience was a factor in his selection.Babar also addressed questions about his own place in the top order. While acknowledging the potential of dynamic players like Saim Ayub, he defended his own track record, highlighting Pakistan's consistent high scores in the Powerplay.The captain emphasized that team goals will take precedence over individual preferences. He is in constant communication with the newly appointed white-ball coach, Gary Kirsten, who is working towards the same objective.Babar concluded by expressing his hope that the team will continue to inspire the nation. He acknowledged the responsibility they carry and promised to give their best at the World Cup.

Pakistan's cricket selectors have made significant changes to the squad for the upcoming T20 series against Ireland and England. Leg-spinner Usama Mir has been dropped, while fast bowler Haris Rauf has been recalled.The selectors, Muhammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, and Wahab Riaz, explained that the World Cup squad will be selected based on performances in these matches. They also justified the recall of pacer Hasan Ali, stating that he is a backup for Rauf.Rauf has been out of action since February due to an injury sustained during the Pakistan Super League. Razzaq explained that Mir has been dropped because Pakistan already has Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed in the squad.Yousuf defended the recent 2-2 result in the T20 series against New Zealand, emphasizing that it was the first time Pakistan had fully implemented a rotation policy. He also acknowledged that some players need to improve their shot-making.Wahab Riaz stressed the importance of removing insecurity and fear of failure from the players' minds. He also stated that the playing eleven will be selected by the captain, with no interference from the selectors.The selectors defended Babar Azam's captaincy, highlighting his improvement in leadership during the New Zealand series. They expressed confidence in his ability to become a better captain.

PCB Reinstates Haris Rauf's Central Contract After Acknowledgment of ErrorThe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reinstated fast bowler Haris Rauf's central contract after he acknowledged his mistake in writing. Rauf's contract was terminated in February due to disciplinary reasons, as he declined to participate in the Test tour of Australia, citing workload and Big Bash commitments.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi clarified that there was a misunderstanding regarding Rauf's decision. "After receiving his written reply, the board has decided to restore his central contract," Naqvi stated.In his response, Rauf expressed his unwavering commitment to playing for Pakistan and acknowledged that his viewpoint had been misunderstood. "I accept my mistake," he wrote.Naqvi emphasized the importance of Rauf's fitness, noting that he sustained an injury during the Pakistan Super League (PSL). "We need to take proper care of him," Naqvi said.Rauf's reinstatement comes as a relief for the PCB, which values his contributions to the national team. The fast bowler has been a key member of Pakistan's bowling attack in recent years, showcasing his pace and wicket-taking abilities.The PCB's decision to reinstate Rauf's contract is a testament to the board's commitment to fostering a positive and productive relationship with its players. It also highlights the importance of open communication and the willingness to resolve misunderstandings.

Amidst the ongoing speculation surrounding Virat Kohli's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad, fans have rallied behind the cricketing icon, reminiscing about his unforgettable performance in the previous edition of the tournament in Australia.Kohli's iconic shot against Pakistan's Haris Rauf during the 2022 T20 World Cup has become a symbol of his unparalleled skill and nerve under pressure. The momentous six, hailed as the 'shot of the century,' captivated cricket enthusiasts worldwide and showcased Kohli's ability to deliver in high-stakes situations.Social media platforms have been flooded with videos of Kohli's memorable shot, with fans expressing their unwavering support for his inclusion in the Indian squad. Former Pakistan cricketers Danish Kaneria and Mohammad Irfan have also voiced their support, echoing the sentiments of countless fans who believe in Kohli's prowess on the cricket field.England legend Stuart Broad took to social media to question the authenticity of the news surrounding Kohli's potential exclusion, further fueling the debate about his place in the team.Kohli's memorable encounter with Rauf occurred on October 23, 2022, during a high-stakes match at the T20 World Cup in Melbourne. With India facing a challenging chase against Pakistan, Kohli's steely resolve and masterful stroke play came to the fore as he smashed Rauf for two crucial sixes, igniting a roar of approval from the packed crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).The electrifying display of skill and composure by Kohli during that pivotal moment serves as a reminder of his ability to thrive under pressure and deliver when it matters most. As fans eagerly await the final squad announcement for the T20 World Cup, their unwavering support for Kohli remains steadfast, underscoring his status as a cricketing icon and a source of inspiration for millions around the globe.

Lahore Qalandars' owner Sameen Rana has vehemently criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its handling of Haris Rauf's central contract termination, which was announced just two days before the start of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Rana condemned the timing of the decision as "pathetic" and accused the PCB of "really poor management."Rana expressed his dismay at the lack of communication with Rauf, stating that the player was not given proper notice or explanation for the termination of his contract. He emphasized that such a public humiliation was unprecedented and disrespectful.The decision came after Rauf made himself unavailable for Pakistan's Test series in Australia, a move that drew criticism from chief selector Wahab Riaz. However, Rana questioned the timing of the announcement, arguing that it was unnecessary and disruptive to Qalandars' PSL campaign.Rana highlighted the impact of the decision on Qalandars, who have struggled in the tournament due to injuries, unavailability, and poor performances. He expressed concern that Rauf's psychological state was affected by the termination, which coincided with his search for form.Rana also revealed that Rauf suffered a shoulder injury while playing for Qalandars against Karachi Kings, which is expected to sideline him for six weeks. He lamented the additional burden placed on the team to motivate Rauf and keep him focused.Rana's criticism reflects the growing frustration within the Qalandars camp over the PCB's handling of the situation. The team has been left reeling from the loss of their premier fast bowler and the negative impact it has had on their PSL campaign.