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In a big boost to Pakistan team, their tearaway pacer Haris Rauf has been declared fit right ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 which is set to start from February 19. Pakistan heaved a sigh of relief as Haris Rauf's recovery came right before the Mohammad Rizwan-led side's campaign opener in Champions Trophy. Rauf made a timely recovery from his recent injury. Sources privy to the development confirmed PTI that Rauf will be fit and available for their crucial ICC Champions Trophy opening match against New Zealand on Wednesday.
Pakistan's Haris Rauf declared fit ahead of Champions Trophy
Rauf sustained a muscular strain in his lower chest wall during the Tri-Nation ODI series, raising concerns about his availability for the Champions Trophy.
However, the rest and treatment he received following the initial injury have proven effective. It has been learnt that Rauf is now 'okay' and has responded well to the recovery period. The team management is relieved to have their key player back in action and has reported no other fitness concerns within the squad.
"Haris is okay now and the rest given to him after the first match of the Tri-Series has helped him recover well," the source told PTI.
Haris Rauf, a vital cog in Pakistan's bowling attack, brings express pace and a knack for picking up wickets, particularly in the crucial middle overs. Despite concerns about his injury and the subsequent call-up of uncapped Akif Javed as a backup, Rauf remained with the squad, signaling their hope for his quick recovery. The 31-year-old speedster has a good track record in the ODIs and T20is. Rauf has picked 83 wickets in 46 ODIs and 110 wickets in 79 T20Is to prove his prowess as a white-ball specialist.
Pakistan will be looking to bounce back strongly in the Champions Trophy 2025. Recently, they lost the Tri-Nation series final against New Zealand. As defending champions, Pakistan will be eager to start their campaign with a win against the same New Zealand side that recently bested them.
Pakistan's squad for Champions Trophy 2025:
Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi
