ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Haris Rauf breaks silence on his CT participation
Published - 17 Feb 2025, 06:56 PM
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Pakistan pace spearhead Haris Rauf has made a strong comeback to the nets just days after an injury scare threatened to derail his ICC Champions Trophy 2025 dreams. Haris Rauf had sustained a muscular sprain in his lower chest during the recent Tri-Nation ODI series, featuring South Africa and New Zealand, but he is not fit and raring to go in the prestigious tournament.
On Monday, February 17, the right-arm pacer was seen sprinting and bowling with intensity alongside his fellow pacers at the nets in Karachi.
Haris Rauf makes comeback to nets ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The defending champions and the hosts, Pakistan, are all set to face New Zealand on February 19 in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener in Karachi.
Ahead of the Pakistan vs New Zealand clash in Karachi, Rauf has officially returned to light training following his injury scare. The right-arm pacer has been spotted bowling at a gentle pace in the nets. The pace spearhead is gradually building his intensity to return to the actions.
Good News
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) February 17, 2025
Haris Rauf has begun light training in the nets, bowling at a gentle pace. pic.twitter.com/8AXYO6U0uD
"I'm feeling better now. I bowled six overs and the pain has subsided significantly. However, my availability for the match against New Zealand ultimately depends on the team management's decision." Haris Rauf on my Question Regarding his injury and Availability pic.twitter.com/LVsr9CS21z
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) February 17, 2025
Rauf’s recovery comes as a massive boost for the defending champions ahead of the much-awaited eight-nation tournament. The pacer bowled alongside Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain in an intense practice session, as they fine-tuned their skills for the tournament opener.
Meanwhile, Haris Rauf expressed confidence in his recovery and revealed that he’s feeling better and has been training for two days without any pain. However, the fast bowler has made it clear that his participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand will be decided by the team management.
I am feeling better than before: Haris Rauf
Rauf told reporters on the sidelines of Pakistan’s practice session in Karachi, “I am feeling better than before. I have practiced for two days and bowled today. Personally, I am satisfied with my fitness and not feeling any pain, but the final decision rests with management whether I will play against New Zealand or not.”
On the other hand, Rauf also opened up about Pakistan's bowling strategy while speaking highly of the Men in Green’s versatility. The pacer has pointed out that they don’t rely solely on one spinner, as Khushdil Shah and Agha Salman will also contribute as spinners, but it will depend on the conditions.
He signed off by saying, “Our bowling unit is not limited to only one spinner. We also have Khushdil Shah and Agha Salman, who play a part in the match as spinners depending on the conditions.”
Pakistan hosts the grand opening of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Lahore Fort
Notably, Pakistan is all set to host its first ICC event in 29 years, with the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy kicking off with a grand ceremony at Lahore Fort’s Dewan-e-Khas. The organizers lit up the fort beautifully, sparking excitement among the fans ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Members of Pakistan's 2017 Champions Trophy-winning squad also played a special role at the event, bringing back memories of their stunning 180-run victory over India in the final.
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