WATCH: Haris Rauf meets Khawaja Asif in Parliament after ODI omission

Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf met Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in Islamabad, holding a two-hour discussion in the minister’s chamber.

However, he avoided speaking to the media by exiting through the back door.

According to sources, Rauf initially stepped back inside upon noticing reporters outside. Before leaving, he inquired whether the media had dispersed.

Haris Rauf is part of Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, where Pakistan will play a five-match T20I series from March 16 to 26, followed by a three-match ODI series from March 29 to April 5.

Salman Ali Agha has been appointed Pakistan’s T20I captain, with Shadab Khan as vice-captain. Mohammad Rizwan will continue leading the ODI team, with Salman serving as his deputy.

The appointments have been made with a focus on upcoming tournaments, including the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan’s cricket calendar includes several T20I series against teams such as Bangladesh, West Indies, Afghanistan, and Australia as part of preparations for the World Cup. Meanwhile, the ODI team is building towards the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.