T20 World Cup 2024: Haris Rauf ruled out of the tournament? Shaheen Afridi drops massive hint

Pakistan cricket fans received an encouraging update regarding the comeback of Haris Rauf ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be played in the West Indies and USA. Shaheen Afridi shared an update on Haris Rauf's rehabilitation after Pakistan's fifth T20I against New Zealand.

Haris Rauf sustained a shoulder injury during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 in February. The tearaway pacer was ruled out of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand at home. The bowler's central contract was reinstated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during this period.

Haris Rauf Has Resumed Bowling Three Days Ago - Shaheen Afridi

During the post-match presentation, Shaheen Afridi stated that Haris Rauf resumed bowling in the nets three days ago. However, Rauf mentioned that the upcoming series in Ireland might be too soon for him. Afridi said that the England series would be ideal for Rauf's return.

"Haris Rauf has resumed bowling three days ago, which shows he is making good progress. However, in my opinion, the upcoming three-match T20I series in Ireland might be too soon for him. Perhaps the England series would be ideal for his return," Shaheen said.

The Babar Azam-led team will tour Ireland for a three-match T20I series next month. All matches will be played in Dublin from May 10 to May 14. They will then tour England for a four-match series, their last bilateral series before the T20 World Cup, which will be played between June 1 and June 29.

Haris Rauf Is Crucial In Taking Wickets In The Middle Overs - Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi highlighted the importance of Haris Rauf's role in the team. The left-arm pacer emphasized Rauf's ability to take wickets in the middle overs, which is crucial for Pakistan's success in the tournament.

"It's good news that Haris is getting better because if you look at the statistics, Rauf is crucial in taking wickets in the middle overs and Pakistan will be needing that during the World Cup," Afridi added.

Pakistan struggled in the absence of Haris Rauf during the recently concluded series against New Zealand. The home team started the series with a win in the second T20I. However, the team suffered losses in the next two games. Pakistan clinched the final match to level the series at 2-2.

Shaheen Afridi was Pakistan's key player in the final match. He turned the match in Pakistan's favor by taking two wickets of James Neesham and Zakary Foulkes in consecutive deliveries in the 15th over. The pacer ended his spell with impressive figures of 4/30 in his four overs.

The 24-year-old pacer was named 'Player of the Match' and received the 'Player of the Series' awards. He took eight wickets in four innings at an average of 10.00 and an economy rate of 7.38. It's worth mentioning that Afridi was relinquished from T20I captaincy before this series.

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