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Rizwan provides update on Haris Rauf's injury

'Fast bowler Haris Rauf is fully fit'

Webdesk

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18 Feb 2025

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has confirmed that fast bowler Haris Rauf is fully fit and ready for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, putting to rest concerns over his recent injury.

Rauf had sustained a muscular sprain in his lower chest wall during the 36th over of Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand in the Tri-Nation Series, forcing him to leave the field after bowling 6.2 overs.

Following the injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) conducted MRI and X-ray scans on Rauf, which confirmed the sprain but reassured that it was not serious.

Read: Babar Azam honoured by ICC

Rauf was expected to make a full recovery ahead of the Champions Trophy. Rizwan confirmed during a pre-tournament press conference that Rauf has been bowling with full rhythm. “Haris Rauf bowled 80% yesterday, and now he is bowling in full rhythm. He is fit and available for the team,” Rizwan stated.

Rauf, speaking on his recovery, expressed confidence in his fitness: “By the grace of Almighty Allah, I am feeling really great and have been practising with a bit more intensity for the last two days,” he said. “I even bowled today and did not feel much pain. So, I am quite satisfied.”

Rizwan also spoke about the importance of senior players in high-stakes tournaments, emphasizing their leadership roles.

“Being a senior player means taking responsibility. We have to lead from the front,” he remarked, acknowledging the leadership of players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.

Regarding the preparations for the tournament, Rizwan praised the PCB’s efforts in getting the stadiums ready, stating, “Our stadiums have been prepared in record time. We shouldn’t doubt our capabilities.”

Looking ahead to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Rizwan confirmed the team's unity in their goal to win the title. "It’s not just me and Babar who want to win the title; every player in the squad wants this, and so does every Pakistani," he concluded.

Pakistan, the defending champions, will begin their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against New Zealand on February 19. They will also face India on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, followed by a match against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

Mohammad Rizwan (c)

Babar Azam

Fakhar Zaman

Kamran Ghulam

Saud Shakeel

Tayyab Tahir

Faheem Ashraf

Khushdil Shah

Salman Ali Agha (vc)

Usman Khan

Abrar Ahmed