ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Haris Rauf ruled out? PCB finalizes replacement

Pakistan National Cricket Team are considering replacing Haris Rauf in the squad for the ongoing tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa. As per the reports in Cricket Pakistan, it is learned that young left-arm pacer Akif Javed has emerged as a prime candidate to be included in the team.

Pakistan National Cricket Team faced a massive blow when star pacer Haris Rauf suffered an injury in the first game of the tri-series against the New Zealand National Cricket Team. The pacer experienced a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region and walked off the field in the 36th over.

PCB hopeful of Haris Rauf's participation in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Haris Rauf then went for scans to see the seriousness of the injury. Although the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) mentioned that the injury wasn't serious, the reports claimed that he had been ruled out of the entire tri-series against New Zealand National Cricket and South Africa National Cricket Team.

Following the scans, PCB mentioned that the injury is not serious, and Haris Rauf is expected to make a full recovery in time for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which begins in Karachi on February 19. However, as part of his rehabilitation and as a precautionary measure, Rauf will not be available for selection in Pakistan's next match against South Africa on February 12.

The selection committee is considering several players to replace Haris Rauf

The latest reports, however, claim that the selection committee is considering several players to replace Haris Rauf, including Mohammad Wasim Jr., Akif Javed, and Mohammad Ali. However, Javed seems to be the front-runner to fill in the injured pacer.

Witn PCB looking for a replacement of Haris Rauf for the ongoing tri-series, this has raised many speculations about his future in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, the reports claimed that the pacer will continue remaining in the squad for the tournament as PCB is hopeful of his recovery.

Haris Rauf bowled just 6.2 overs in the game against New Zealand

In the game that he played in the tri-series, Haris Rauf bowled just 6.2 overs before walking back to the dressing room. He looked sensational with the ball as he picked one wicket and gave away just 23 runs and was the most economical bowler for his team.

His absence will be a massive blow for the Pakistan National Cricket Team in the ongoing series. They lost the first game of the series against the New Zealand National Cricket Team by a margin of 78 runs and now will be keen to win the rest of the games, which will be a great boost for them ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan National Cricket Team will be next seen in action during the game against South Africa. The match will be played at the Karachi Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday (12th February). So far in the points table, New Zealand are at the top with 2 wins in two games.

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