Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammad Amir raises doubts over Haris Rauf availability for Pakistan | Cricket News
Former Pakistan pace spearhead Mohammad Amir raised doubts over whether Pakistan would be able to field Haris Rauf for the upcoming Champions Trophy, saying that the true nature of his injury would mean a longer recovery and rehabilitation period than expected.
Rauf had sustained strain to his muscle in the lower chest during the first ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand in the Tri-nation ODI series. He was then rested as a precaution by the Pakistan Cricket Board and not played throughout the series.
“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.
Pakistan’s Haris Rauf holds his head after a missed chance to run out Australia’s Pat Cummins during their one day international cricket match in Melbourne. (AP)
But Amir has said that if the injury is a side-strain, then the recovery time could be as long as six weeks, followed by rehab. That timeline would mean that Rauf could likely miss out on playing for Pakistan, and add to the growing list of pace bowlers who are going to miss out on the Champions Trophy, joining the likes of India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Australia’s Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
“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.
“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,” he added.
