A day after reports that Haris Rauf contemplated retirement, the Pakistan pacer was blasted for 60 runs in 4 overs in the 3rd T20I against New Zealand.
Pacer Haris Rauf contemplated walking away from international cricket after facing backlash for withdrawing out of the Test series between Australia and Pakistan last month. According to a Pakistan media report, Rauf, 30, was so upset that his mind was already made up, but was talked out of it by his friends and family. Rauf was exhausted after Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 campaign, after which he requested some time off, meaning the pacer wanted to rest himself from the three Test series Down Under.
But coach Mickey Arthur had other plans, and he insisted Rauf play against Australia due to the bouncy pitches available there and his ability to generate pace. However, as it turns out, Rauf had expressed his workload concerns and cautioned the team management about his fitness, which wasn’t at its peak and it reflected in his performance at the ICC event. He earned the dubious distinction of becoming Pakistan’s most expensive bowler in World Cup history. Rauf finally decided to withdraw himself after having a chat with team director Mohammad Hafeez and chief selector Wahab Riaz.(HT)