Haris Rauf Archives

BBL 15: Haris Rauf’s three-fer helps Stars ease past Strikers

ADELAIDE: Pacer Haris Rauf delivered a fiery three-wicket spell to lead Melbourne Stars to a six-wicket win over Adelaide Strikers in the 10th match of Big Bash League (BBL) 15 here at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.

Set 156, Stars chased down the target on four wickets with 11 balls to spare.

Sam Harper remained the top scorer, scoring 55 from 36 balls with the help of five fours and two sixes.

Skipper Marcus Stoinis remained the other notable contributor with 32* from 22 to his name. The right-hander hit three fours and a six in his brisk knock.

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Melbourne Stars were off to a flyer as they posted 67 at the end of the powerplay, losing just one wicket in the process. Joe Clarke hit two fours before getting dismissed on 23.

Meanwhile, Harper continued to charge and stitched a brief 23-run partnership with Campbell Kellaway. The duo brought the total to 90 in 9.5 overs.

However, Hasan Ali took two crucial wickets in quick succession to jolt Stars in the chase. The right-arm pacer first removed well-set Harper, followed by the big wicket of Glenn Maxwell for two to reduce them to 96-3 in 11.3 overs.

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But Marcus Stoinis remained till the end to ensure his side crossed the finishing line. He added 37 and 28* run stands with Campbell Kellaway and Hilton Cartwright to take his side home.

For Stars, Hasan Ali remained the pick of the bowlers, managing to take two wickets in his three overs.

Earlier, after being given the opportunity to bat first, the home side Adelaide Strikers were unable to post a big total as they ended their innings on 155 for 8 in 20 overs.

Tom Curran ripped through their top order, removing Chris Lynn and Jason Sangha in the second over to put his side on top.

After an early hiccup, skipper Matthew Short batted with responsibility, crafting a 55-run partnership with Liam Scott to take the score to 62-3 in 7.5 overs.

The stand culminated with Scott’s wicket, trapped lbw by Stoinis for 25, despite it being another 48-run partnership that carried them over the 100-run mark, before a middle-order collapse saw them reeling.

Alex Ross and Short brought the total to 110 in 13.4 overs as Curran removed the latter, who top-scored with 56 from 42 with the help of four boundaries.

Eventually, the home side were limited to a below-par total at the end of their innings.

For Stars, Haris Rauf and Tom Curran combined and shared six wickets between them.

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ICC suspends Haris Rauf for code of conduct breach

DUBAI: Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf has been banned for two matches by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for code of conduct breach during the Asia Cup 2025.

According to an ICC press release on Tuesday, the pacer earned four demerit points within 24 months due to multiple breaches of conduct due to incidents that occurred during the India-Pakistan clashes on September 14, 21, and 28.

“Following a hearing conducted by ICC Match Referee Richie Richardson, Haris Rauf (Pakistan) was again found guilty of a breach of Article 2.21. He was fined 30 per cent of his match fee and received two additional demerit points,” the press release said.

“This takes Rauf’s total to four demerit points within a 24-month period, resulting in two suspension points under the ICC’s disciplinary framework. In accordance with the Code, Rauf is therefore suspended for Pakistan’s ODI games against South Africa on 4 and 6 November 2025,” it added.

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During the September 14 group-stage clash, Match Referee Richie Richardson found Rauf guilty of a breach of Article 2.21 and docked Rauf 30% of his match fee.

Rauf attracted attention while fielding near the boundary as he made gestures that depicted the action of bringing down a plane. This was interpreted as a mockery of India’s military action earlier this year.

He performed these gestures in response to Indian fans chanting “Kohli, Kohli,” referring to Virat Kohli’s famous sixes off Rauf during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne.

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav was also penalized 30 percent of his fee for the same offence, while Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan received an official warning and one demerit point.

Farhan, meanwhile, came under scrutiny for his unique half-century celebration, in which he mimicked firing a machine gun with his bat. The gesture was widely criticized as provocative.

READ: Ben Stokes signs England deal until Ashes 2027

Mohsin Naqvi to pay Haris Rauf’s fine personally: sources

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly taken the unusual step of personally covering the fine imposed on pacer Haris Rauf by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following disciplinary action in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

Rauf was docked 30% of his match fee after being found guilty of making inappropriate gestures toward Indian fans during Pakistan’s Super Four clash against India.

Sources confirmed that Naqvi, in a show of support, has pledged to pay not only Rauf’s fine but also any future ICC-imposed penalties on Pakistani players from his own funds.

The ICC conducted hearings on Friday into incidents involving Haris Rauf and top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan.

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While Rauf was penalised financially, Farhan escaped with only a formal warning after celebrating his half-century with a “gunfire gesture” using his bat.

Match referee Richie Richardson deemed the action inappropriate but not warranting a monetary penalty.

Disciplinary action was not confined to Pakistan’s camp. India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav was also fined 30% of his match fee for post-match remarks laced with political undertones.

His comments referencing the armed forces drew a sharp reaction from the PCB, which argued that the remarks went beyond the spirit of the game and urged the ICC to consider a Level 4 sanction, the most serious category of offence under its code.

READ: Asia Cup 2025: Captains’ trophy shoot cancelled ahead of Pakistan-India final

Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan defend actions in ICC hearing over BCCI complaint

DUBAI: Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan appeared before ICC match referee Richie Richardson on Friday after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lodged an official complaint against the duo over their on-field gestures during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash.

According to sources, both players submitted written responses and defended their actions during the hearing. Richardson reportedly questioned them in detail about the incidents.

Sahibzada Farhan rejected the allegation that his half-century celebration carried political undertones.

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The opener had mimicked firing a machine gun with his bat after reaching fifty, a move that drew heavy criticism on social media.

Farhan, however, clarified that his gesture was cultural rather than political.

“In Pashtun traditions, this is how celebrations are done,” he is said to have told the referee.

Haris Rauf, meanwhile, was pressed on the six-finger gesture he made while fielding on the boundary.

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The pacer challenged the claim, asking officials directly, “Tell me, what do you people think this means?”

He further argued in his written response that there was no evidence to back the allegations. Richardson, however, did not comment on Rauf’s counter-question, sources said.

The controversy arose after the BCCI emailed its complaint to the ICC earlier this week, pointing to Farhan’s celebration and Rauf’s actions as “provocative.”

The match in question, played on September 21, saw several heated exchanges between players on both sides, amplifying the tension around the rivalry.

READ: Shoaib Akhtar confident Pakistan will ‘Nail It’ in Asia Cup final against India

BCCI lodges complaint against Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lodged an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan.

Reliable sources indicate that a complaint was filed via email on Wednesday regarding the on-field gestures of Pakistan players during the tense Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match in Dubai.

These incidents have since ignited widespread discussion on social media.

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The September 21 fixture, the second meeting between the arch-rivals in this year’s tournament, saw several heated moments between players on both sides.

Pakistan pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf exchanged words with India’s opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. However, the BCCI’s complaint specifically names Rauf and Farhan.

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He performed these gestures in response to Indian fans chanting “Kohli, Kohli,” referring to Virat Kohli’s famous sixes off Rauf during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne.

Farhan, meanwhile, came under scrutiny for his unique half-century celebration, in which he mimicked firing a machine gun with his bat. The gesture was widely criticized as provocative.

If the two Pakistan players deny the allegations in writing, an ICC hearing may be convened to review the matter. The second match referee in the tournament, Richie Richardson, is expected to oversee proceedings.

READ: Younis Khan comments on India-Pakistan handshake controversy

Former Australia pacer picks Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf in all-time Asian T20I team

Former Australian speedster Brett Lee has included Pakistan wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan and pacer Haris Rauf in his all-time Asian T20I team.

The continental tournament is currently underway, with the opening match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

During an interview with Fox Sports, Lee picked 12 players from Asia, including two Pakistani players.

Lee’s started with Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as openers, who retired from the format last year after leading Men in Blue to the 2024 World Cup triumph.

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Rohit (4231 runs) is the highest run-scorer in the shorter format, only ahead of Pakistan’s ace batter Babar Azam, who has 4223 runs to his name.

The 48-year-old also picked Mohammad Rizwan, who is the seventh-highest run scorer in T20Is. However, the right-hander is not included in Pakistan’s squad for the continental tournament.

“I think he [Rizwan] should definitely get an opportunity to be in that all-time T20I team because of what he’s achieved. Now, the conjecture is over here that he’s not going to play in this series, which is surprising to me, ” he said about Mohammad Rizwan.

Along with Rizwan, Haris Rauf was also included in Lee’s All-time Asia XI due to his sheer pace and wicket-taking ability.

“Haris Rauf has got the pace and balls at the death,” he said.

Interestingly, Brett Lee included Babar Hayat from Hong Kong, Amjad Javed from UAE, and Mohammad Naveed in a lineup featuring star players from Asia.

The inclusion of Babar Hayat is understandable due to his being the third-highest scorer in Asia Cup T20I history with 235 runs.

Brett Lee All-time Asian T20I Team

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Hayat, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Wanindu Hasaranga, Rashid Khan, Amjad Javed, Mohammad Naveed, Haris Rauf, and Jasprit Bumrah.

READ: Pakistan captain gives bold statement ahead of India clash

WATCH: Haris Rauf snaps back at journalist over fielding criticism after Afghanistan win

SHARJAH: Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf was visibly frustrated with a journalist after his side’s 39-run victory over Afghanistan in the opening game of the tri-nation T20I series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Rauf, who starred with the ball by claiming 4-31, played a decisive role in setting up Pakistan’s win.

However, the press interaction turned tense when a journalist downplayed the significance of the fixture, calling it little more than preparation for next month’s Asia Cup 2025.

The 31-year-old pacer firmly rejected the suggestion.

“You are saying it was a practice match, but in my opinion, no international match is ever just preparation,” he said.

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“Every international game carries pressure, and you can’t approach it casually. Whatever your best XI is, you always try to execute the given plans.”

The situation escalated when the same journalist bluntly remarked, “Pakistan ki fielding bekaar thi” (Pakistan’s fielding was poor).

Haris Rauf, caught off guard by the comment, reacted with visible irritation before defending his team.

“I think you might not have watched the match properly. We didn’t make such mistakes in our fielding. Maybe if you review it again, you will see the match actually looked good,” he retorted.

Rauf also dismissed suggestions that Afghanistan entered the contest as favorites.

“I never thought anyone could be favorites over us. We are the biggest favorites,” he stated confidently.

The fast bowler also stressed the importance of leadership and unity within the side, making it clear that respect for the captain is non-negotiable.

“Whoever is the captain of Pakistan is a respectable person in my eyes. For me, any captain of Pakistan deserves the same respect, no matter who it is,” he further stated.

“As players, we will give him that respect, maintain good communication, and on the field, it becomes easier to execute plans. There should be strong bonding, and your messages must always be fair and clear.”

Pakistan will next take on the hosts, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), later today at the same venue.

READ: Rashid Khan laments lost momentum in defeat against Pakistan

Pakistan thump Afghanistan in tri-series opener

SHARJAH: Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten half-century, followed by Haris Rauf’s three-wicket haul, powered Pakistan to a 39-run win over Afghanistan in the opening match of the tri-series here at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a 183-run target, Afghanistan crumbled under pressure and were bundled out for 143 runs in 19.5 overs.

Pakistan struck early as Shaheen Afridi sent Ibrahim Zadran (9) back with a beautiful delivery.

After 17-1 in three overs, Sediqullah Atal and Rahmanullah Gurbaz put on a 51-run partnership in a bid to steady Afghanistan in the chase.

The duo batted with an aggressive approach and took Afghanistan’s total to 68 at the end of the eighth over. However, Pakistan made a strong comeback with Gurbaz’s removal, who was looking dangerous.

He made 38 from 27 balls with the help of a six and three fours.

Despite his wicket, Afghanistan kept up with the required run-rate as the scorecard read 85-2 at the halfway stage of the innings.

Nonetheless, Haris Rauf’s double-wicket maiden 11th over brought Pakistan back into the game. The speedster removed both Atal and Karim Janat with a slower delivery ploy.

The wickets sparked a collapse that Afghanistan could never recover from. As a result, the whole team was bowled out despite Rashid Khan’s blitz, who smashed Rauf for 19 runs in the 18th over to provide his team some hope.

Rashid Khan’s 39 off 16 deliveries featured five elegant sixes.

For Pakistan, it was an all-round bowling effort with Haris Rauf taking a four-wicket haul in his 3.5 overs. Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, and Sufiyan Muqeem took two wickets each.

Earlier, Salman Ali Agha’s sublime knock powered Pakistan to a strong total

After opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 182 for the loss of seven wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

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Green Shirts openers started strong, particularly Sahibzada Farhan, taking on the Afghanistan bowlers in the opening overs.

However, he was caught after scoring 21 off 10 deliveries with the aid of two sixes and a four. As a result, Pakistan were 26-1 in 2.3 overs.

After his wicket, Afghanistan put roadblocks in Pakistan’s progress as Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman struggled to keep up the momentum.

The pair established an important 29-run partnership for the second wicket, which concluded with one player’s dismissal by Rashid Khan in the seventh over.

Ayub played a measured innings, scoring 14 runs off 16 balls, featuring two boundaries.

Pakistan then encountered a swift collapse, losing two additional wickets—Fakhar Zaman (20) and Hasan Nawaz (9)—and found themselves struggling at 83 for 4 in 11.1 overs.

Following this downturn, Agha and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz mounted a counteroffensive against the Afghanistan bowlers, putting together 53 runs for the fifth wicket in just 28 balls.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman eventually disrupted this partnership in the 16th over by getting rid of Nawaz, who had made a rapid 21 runs off 11 balls, including one four and two sixes.

Agha then partnered with wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Haris, contributing 31 runs to the score before falling to Fareed Ahmad on the second delivery of the final over.

Salman Ali Agha ended as Pakistan’s top scorer, remaining not out on 53 runs from 36 deliveries, which included three fours and three sixes.

For Afghanistan, Fareed Ahmed picked up two wickets, whereas Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman took one wicket each.

READ: Tickets for Asia Cup 2025 games go on sale

Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf reflect on comebacks after T20I series win over West Indies

LAUDERHILL: Pakistan fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf opened up about their return to the national team after the 3-0 T20I series win against the West Indies here on Monday.

In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the duo sat down with teammate Hasan Ali to reflect on their performances, fitness journeys, and the mental challenges of returning from injury.

Shaheen Afridi, who returned to the side after a period of rest, credited the break for helping him recalibrate.

“PSL went well for me, Alhamdulillah, and then I was given rest,” he shared.

“When you rest, your body tells you what it needs, so I focused on those areas and worked specifically on my bowling, and what further improvements I could make.”

The left-arm pacer explained the tactical approach adopted in the series.

“We knew the wickets would be on the slower side, so the plan was to bowl as many deliveries as possible on a consistent length,” he added.

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“As a bowling unit, we tried to stay disciplined. In such conditions, when you bowl with good length and smart variations, especially against a team like West Indies, it benefits the side.”

Meanwhile, Haris Rauf emphasized the importance of trusting his skills despite limited preparation time.

“Our plan was simple: to assess the conditions early and stick to the game plan,” he said.

“Coming back from injury and playing matches immediately isn’t easy because I had very little time to train. But as a professional, you have to believe in your skills.”

The speedster also shared that the experience of playing in the Major League Cricket (MLC) helped boost his confidence.

“I had a good season in MLC, which gave me confidence. But against the West Indies, bowling is never easy in any condition because their batters can change the game at any moment,” he stated.

READ: Salman Ali Agha explains why he did not bowl in West Indies T20Is

Melbourne Stars GM reveals reason behind Haris Rauf’s selection for BBL 15

Melbourne Stars General Manager Max Abbott has revealed the key reason behind the selection of Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf for the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025.

In an exclusive interview with ARY News, Abbott shed light on the selection of Pakistani players in the BBL 15 draft, particularly Haris Rauf for Melbourne Stars.

“We have retained Haris Rauf in the green team squad. Melbourne Stars needed a bowler who could bowl with 150 km/h pace because nowadays you don’t find too many bowlers bowling with that speed,” he said.

“Our squads’ local and overseas players love Haris Rauf playing in the BBL. One of the fierce battles will be between Babar Azam and Haris Rauf in the upcoming edition of BBL 15,” he added.

Moreover, Max Abbott also stated that many Pakistani players have fond memories of the 1992 World Cup, which was held in Australia.

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The Pakistan cricket team has great memories of the 1992 World Cup held in Australia. During that time, Pakistan and Australia had very memorable encounters,” Abbott said.

“When the Australian team toured Pakistan, it was suitable for everyone. Pakistani fans love the Australian player, Melbourne Stars GM added.

Regarding the Melbourne Stars’ plan to visit Pakistan for exhibition matches, he elaborated that it all depends on the players’ availability and an invitation from Pakistan.

“Currently, there are no plans to tour Pakistan with our team. Players’ availability and other matters also need to be considered. Players are presently busy with the season. However, we can consider receiving an invitation from Pakistan, he concluded.

For the unversed, in 22 BBL matches, Haris Rauf has bagged 36 wickets at an economy of 7.75, and remains one of the most dangerous bowlers at the death.

Rauf’s retention comes amid a strong Pakistan presence in BBL 15, with Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, and Hasan Ali all picked up by various franchises during the draft.

READ: Bangladesh name T20I squad for Pakistan series