Haris Rauf is a critical asset for Pakistan in the upcoming ODI World Cup due to his formidable pace, which has posed challenges for batsmen in the past. Despite his current status as a key member of the Pakistan team, Rauf’s journey to success has been far from a fairy tale.
Looking back on his early years, the 29-year-old has shared that he used to labor in the marketplace on Sundays, vending snacks to cover his college fees since his parents couldn’t afford them.
Subsequently, he ventured into playing tape-ball cricket, and he began earning approximately 2-2.5 lakhs per month. This not only addressed many of his financial difficulties but also enabled him to support his parents with the income.
Haris Rauf remembers the challenges he faced before his ascent in international cricket
“When I enrolled in university, my father was not earning enough to be able to pay my fees and I couldn’t afford it too but by playing tape-ball cricket I would easily manage my fees,” Rauf revealed.
“After matriculation, I used to work in the market selling snacks (nimco) on Sundays to be able to pay my fees. The rest of the week, I will attend school and academy.”
“When I enrolled in university, my father was not earning enough to be able to pay my fees and I couldn’t afford it too but by playing tape-ball cricket I would easily manage my fees,” Rauf was quoted on ESPNcricinfo’s documentary ‘The Incredible rise of Haris Rauf’.
“The boys, who play tape-ball professionally in Pakistan, easily make around 2-2.5 lakh per month. I used to earn that and would give it to my mother but I never told my father about earning this much,” he added.
Moving from tape-ball cricket to the international stage posed significant challenges, but Rauf’s relentless determination enabled this transition. His debut in 2020 marked the start of an impressive journey in international cricket, where he became a formidable presence.
Despite facing discomfort in his right flank that sidelined him during the recent Asia Cup, he is now fully recovered and determined to contribute to his team’s pursuit of another world title in the ODI World Cup.
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