Haris Rauf, the fast bowler from Pakistan, has commented on a recent video circulating on social media showing a confrontation involving him and unidentified individuals. He expressed willingness to accept feedback from the public but asserted that he would react firmly if the feedback turned into abuse directed at his family.
The now-viral video captures Rauf and his wife engaged in a conversation with a group of people. A moment later, Rauf is seen crossing a boundary towards the group, despite one man trying to stop him. There was some physical scuffling and raised voices before Rauf was taken back to his wife. The video concludes with continued finger-pointing and shouting.
In a social media post, Rauf stated, “As public figures, we are open to various types of feedback from the public, whether supportive or critical. However, when it concerns my parents and family, I will not shy away from responding firmly. It is crucial to show respect towards individuals and their families, regardless of their professions.”
The video seems to have been filmed in the USA following Pakistan’s last group-stage match at the T20 World Cup in Lauderhill against Ireland, which they won but couldn’t advance to the tournament’s Super Eight stage.
Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the PCB, addressed the incident with a tweet, condemning the situation involving Haris Rauf. He emphasized that such actions against players are intolerable and unacceptable. Naqvi called for immediate apologies to Rauf from the parties involved, warning of legal action if apologies are not issued promptly.
Rauf holds a central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board. Earlier this year, his contract was reinstated under peculiar circumstances after it was terminated on February 15 when he made himself unavailable for Pakistan’s Test series against Australia. Naqvi later clarified it as a “misunderstanding,” reinstating Rauf’s contract on March 24.
During the T20 World Cup, Rauf emerged as one of Pakistan’s leading bowlers, securing seven wickets in four bowling innings with an economy rate of 6.73. Despite victories over Canada and Ireland, Pakistan’s losses to the USA (in a Super Over) and to India prevented them from progressing beyond the group stage.
* The article was updated at 1.50pm GMT on June 18 following Mohsin Naqvi’s tweet.
