Pakistan face an early exit from T20 World Cup 2024 as India and co-hosts USA progressed to Super 8 stage. Haris Rauf and his teammates have faced a lot of flak on social media for their dismal show. Former cricketers have called for massive changes in the team as well. However, Rauf could not hold himself back when a Pakistani fan invaded his private space.
Rauf was walking with his wife Muzna Masood Malik when the Pakistani fan displayed rowdy behaviour. Muzna wanted Rauf to ignore the comments but Rauf was angered by them. He rushed to confront the fan where a few officials intervened. It was followed by a heated exchange between the two as Muzna tried to calm him down.
Rauf’s performance in T20 World Cup 2024
Rauf bagged seven wickets from four games in the T20 World Cup. In Pakistan's campaign opener he was expensive and conceded 37 runs from four overs while bagging just one wicket. He came back well against India and bagged three wickets for just 21 runs to bowl out arch-rivals for 119. However, irrespective of Rauf's performances, Pakistan lost both games.
Rauf bagged a couple of wickets against Canada followed by a wicket against Ireland in Pakistan's last group stage game.
Shehzad calls for removal of a few senior players
Meanwhile, out-of-favour Pakistan batter has demanded removal of five senior players including Rauf from the T20I team.
“For the past five years, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammed Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf, they have played together and this lot has got enough opportunities but they have failed to deliver,” Shehzad said on ‘Haarna Mana Hai’ on Geo News.
Shehzad questioned players' fitness levels. He feels a few players have had enough opportunities.
“There is no leadership in this team. You’re (Babar Azam) just a social media generated king. You’ve had four to five years… You guys play politics, you guys don’t have the required fitness level. You have played your peak cricket and now your cricket is declining. You have not let anyone else come into the team. Till now you have maintained friendships only,” he added.
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