Haris Rauf Shares Update On His Fitness Before Champions Trophy 2025
Karachi: Pakistan’s right-arm pacer Haris Rauf on Monday addressed concerns about his injury and recovery ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place from February 19 to March 9.
Rauf suffered a muscular sprain in his lower chest during the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand. As a precautionary measure, he was rested for the remaining games.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reassured that his injury was not serious and expressed confidence in his full recovery before the Champions Trophy.
“Following MRI and X-ray scans, it has been confirmed that Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during Saturday’s match against New Zealand,” the PCB stated.
“The injury is not serious, and he is expected to be fully fit for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which begins in Karachi on February 19.”
Speaking to the media during the national team’s training session ahead of their opening match against New Zealand on Wednesday, Rauf shared his satisfaction with his progress, stating that he felt no discomfort while bowling at full intensity.
“By the grace of Almighty Allah, I am feeling great and have been training with increased intensity for the past two days,” Rauf said.
“I even bowled today and didn’t feel much pain, so I’m quite satisfied. Whatever the management decides, I will go along with it.”
Rauf also addressed concerns over Pakistan’s squad featuring just one specialist spinner for the eight-team tournament. He emphasized that all-rounders Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah add depth to the spin-bowling department.
“Our bowling attack isn’t limited to just one spinner. We also have Khushdil Shah and Agha Salman, who can contribute as spinners depending on the conditions,” he added.
