ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf is expected to recover fully before the ICC Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said. The board dismissed concerns that he would miss the tournament.
Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in his lower chest during Pakistan’s match against New Zealand on Saturday. His injury raised fears of his exclusion from the tournament. Along with Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, Rauf is a key part of Pakistan’s pace attack.
“The injury is not serious. He should recover fully before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting in Karachi on February 19,” the PCB said on Sunday. “As a precaution, he will not play against South Africa on February 12.”
Pakistan already lost in-form batter Saim Ayub. He suffered an ankle injury while fielding against South Africa last month. His absence opened the door for Fakhar Zaman, who scored 84 runs off 69 balls against New Zealand on Saturday.
Pakistan is currently playing a tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand in Karachi and Lahore. The series serves as a warm-up for the Champions Trophy and will end on February 14.
Pakistan lost their opening match against New Zealand in Lahore by 78 runs. New Zealand posted 330/6 in 50 overs. Pakistan failed to chase the target and got bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs.
