Three months away from ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Haris Rauf is currently in a tough spot. The Pakistani pacer is fighting battles on the field and off it. With PSL 2024 a selection criteria for T20 WC, Rauf was under spotlight after drawing Pakistan Cricket Board’s wrath for skipping Test. His central contract has been terminated. Now, he is the worst performing bowler in PSL 9 after two matches. However, despite his poor show, he has received backing from Pakistan’s T20 captain Shaheen Afridi.
“Just like batsmen face tough times without scoring runs, bowlers also have such phases. Haris is going through a tough time. But after difficulties come ease because he is a strong player and knows how to bounce back. He is not just Lahore Qalandars’ but Pakistan’s best bowler, so it’s important for him to find his form again,” Shaheen Afridi said said after Haris Rauf conceded 47 runs in fours overs, going at 11.80 for just a wicket.
Haris Rauf doubtful for T20 World Cup
Haris Rauf has conceded 85 runs in just 7 overs so far, going at 12.14 in PSL 2024. And that does not put him in a better position.
To make things worse, he had a nightmarish series in New Zealand. Haris Rauf conceded 161 runs in 15 overs at 10.61. While he did have seven wickets, but his economy has raised questions.
Multan Sultan’s Mohammad Ali has been impressive so far. And despite Rauf’s pace, such poor shows can derail his chances of making it to the T20 World Cup 2024.
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PSL 2024 selection criteria for T20 WC
As Pakistan will only have PSL 2024 to decide on the T20 World Cup squad, captain Shaheen Afridi has confirmed that 20-25 players will be shortlisted for the mega event in USA & West Indies.
“We have to see how our 20-25 players perform in the PSL. This is a good opportunity for all of us to prepare for the T20 World Cup,” he further said.
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