Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s top fast bowler, has successfully recovered from a hamstring injury and is back in training, which bodes well for his upcoming comeback to international competition.
Rauf sustained the injury while participating in the Major League Cricket (MLC) tournament earlier this month. Following medical assessment, he was advised to undergo a rest and rehabilitation period of two weeks, which sidelined him from immediate cricketing duties. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical team closely monitored his progress during the recovery phase.
Due to the injury, Rauf was ruled out of Pakistan’s upcoming three-match T20 International series against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on July 20. His absence from the squad was seen as a setback, especially considering his pace and experience in the shortest format.
However, team management and fans can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the 30-year-old speedster is back in training and expected to be match-fit soon.
The good news for Pakistan is that Haris Rauf is likely to be available for selection for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies in August. The Pakistan-West Indies series holds strategic importance, as it forms a crucial part of Pakistan’s build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place next year.
Rauf’s return will be a significant boost to Pakistan’s pace battery, which already features the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. Known for his raw pace and ability to deliver lethal yorkers at the death, Rauf’s presence on the field brings much-needed aggression and control to the bowling attack.
As the national team looks to fine-tune its combinations ahead of the global tournament, Rauf’s recovery comes at an ideal time. His performance in the West Indies series could play a decisive role in shaping Pakistan’s bowling strategy for the T20 World Cup.
