Haris Rauf exposes PCB's BOYCOTT drama in Pakistan's press conference
Published - 18 Sep 2025, 01:47 PM | Updated - 18 Sep 2025, 11:34 PM
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Pakistan managed to keep their Asia Cup 2025 hopes alive despite all the drama off the field, as Salman Ali Agha’s team defeated the UAE by 41 runs on September 17 and booked their spot in the Super 4s. The crucial win came after days of tension, confusion, and handshake controversy.
However, the Pakistani players stayed focused and delivered when it mattered most. The trouble began after the India-Pakistan match on September 14. India refused to shake hands with Pakistan before and after the match in Dubai, which exploded into a storm off the field.
Pakistan secures Asia Cup 2025 Super Four spot after handshake controversy
Later, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had repeatedly contacted the International Cricket Council (ICC), demanding that match referee Andy Pycroft be removed following the infamous no-handshake incident against India. The ICC rejected these requests multiple times.
Read Also: After being embarrassed on Andy Pycroft, PCB now asks ICC to investigate India vs Pakistan match
The controversy created uncertainty over whether the Men in Green would even take the field against the UAE. The start of the game was delayed as the PCB didn’t allow the player to leave for the venue, and it took a direct intervention from Andy Pycroft himself, who met with the team management to clarify matters, to finally allow the match to proceed on Wednesday.
Haris Rauf says PCB drama isn't my problem
Despite all the noise, the Pakistan players were determined to focus only on cricket, and they proved it with the crucial victory over the UAE. After Pakistan’s Super 4s qualification, the star fast bowler Haris Rauf has bluntly made it clear that PCB’s disputes were not his problem.
Haris Rauf said that his attention was solely on performing on the field, and the rest of the team ensured that the off-field tension did not affect their game. However, Pakistan had to fight hard, but they managed to secure a 41-run victory over the UAE, with Shaheen Afridi delivering an all-round show.
Haris Rauf said at the post-match press conference, “I wasn’t feeling any pressure. This is not in my control. These are decisions for the board; it’s their headache. For me, I had to play the match; my focus was on that. The management has handled things pretty well.”
Haris Rauf refuses comparisons to 2017 ICC Champions Trophy glory amid Asia Cup 2025 drama
The win boosted team morale after a heavy loss to India. On being asked whether this Pakistan squad can rise above chaos, the way the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy-winning team had overcome off-field distractions to lift the famous title, Rauf refused to make any comment.
Haris Rauf emphasized that team strategy and selection decisions are the responsibility of the captain and coaches. He further noted that the players’ job is to make the most of every opportunity given to them, and he is focused on the same.
Haris Rauf signed off by saying, “It’s not my domain to speak on who plays and who doesn’t—that’s for the coaches and captain. As a player, if we get the opportunity, it’s on us to make the most of it."
"As for the batsmen, I’m sure they are discussing things among themselves. We have a few days before the next game, so hopefully we can prepare well.”
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