ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammad Amir all but confirms Haris Rauf won’t play CT

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has raised concerns over Haris Rauf’s availability for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to commence on February 19. Amir stated that Haris might miss the entire tournament, adding that the injury could require a longer recovery and rehabilitation period.

Haris Rauf suffered a muscular sprain in his lower chest during the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand. The right-arm pacer bowled 6.2 overs before leaving the field at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. He was rested for the remainder of the series as a ‘precautionary measure.’

The Injury Is Not Serious and He Is Expected to Be Fully Recovered - Pakistan Cricket Board

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Rauf suffered a muscular sprain in his lower chest wall, which led to his exclusion from the remaining matches of the tri-series. However, the PCB reassured that the injury is not serious, and he is expected to recover in time for the Champions Trophy 2025.

“The injury is not serious and he is expected to be fully recovered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which commences in Karachi on 19 February,” read a PCB statement.

Rauf played a crucial role in Pakistan’s historic ODI series win in Australia last year. He was lethal with his raw pace, taking 10 wickets and troubling the Australian batters throughout the series.

Haris Rauf Cannot Recover Fully Before Six Weeks - Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir stated that if Haris Rauf has a side strain, he would need at least six weeks for full recovery, followed by rehabilitation.

“If Haris Rauf has a side strain, he cannot recover fully before six weeks. If it’s just stiffness, then that’s different,” said Amir. “If it is a grade one or two side strain, no matter what, it will take six weeks, and then the rehab starts,” said Amir, according to GeoSuper.tv.

It Will Be Foolish to Risk His Career for Three Matches - Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir shared his experience of sustaining a similar injury during the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He stated that if Haris Rauf has a grade one or two side strain, he is unlikely to recover in time for the Champions Trophy. Amir also advised the Pakistan Cricket Board against rushing Rauf’s return.

“I got this injury during PSL a couple of years ago. If it is a side strain of grade one or two, then I don’t think he can play the Champions Trophy. I think it will be foolish to risk his career for three matches of a tournament because he won’t be able to give his 100 per cent,” said Amir.

Pakistan will start their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign against New Zealand on February 19 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, which is also the tournament opener.

They will take on arch-rivals India in their second group-stage match on February 23 in Dubai, followed by a clash with Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi. Rauf’s availability for the opening game remains uncertain as he continues his recovery from injury.

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