Pakistan’s key fast bowler, Haris Rauf, has returned to bowling in the nets ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. He had suffered a muscular strain during the recently concluded Tri-nation series in Pakistan.
Although uncertainty remains over his participation in the tournament, Rauf mentioned that the decision to play in Pakistan‘s opening match against New Zealand on February 19 rests with the team management. He also expressed that he has started bowling again 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 suffering a muscular strain in the opening match of the tri-nation series, Haris Rauf was rested by the PCB as a precaution and did not feature in the remaining games. Additionally, the PCB issued a statement clarifying that Rauf’s injury is not severe and that he is expected to regain full fitness in time for 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.
Rauf is a vital part of Pakistan’s pace attack and will play a crucial role for the defending champions. So far, he has featured in 46 ODIs, taking 83 wickets in his career.
Haris Rauf dismisses concerns over lone specialist spinner in Pakistan’s 2025 Champions trophy squad
Pakistan have included only Abrar Ahmed as the sole specialist spinner in their squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, pacer Haris Rauf downplayed this, highlighting that Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, and Kamran Ghulam also provide spin-bowling options for the team.
“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 is set to face arch-rivals India in the highly anticipated encounter on February 23 in Dubai.
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