The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provided an update on Haris Rauf’s injury, easing concerns over the fast bowler’s availability for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Rauf, who suffered fitness issues during Pakistan’s tri-nation series opener against New Zealand on February 8 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, left the field in the 36th over after bowling 6.2 overs. His injury sparked doubts over his participation in the Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19.
PCB Confirms Injury Not Serious
According to the PCB medical board, Haris Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest and will be rested for Pakistan’s February 12 match against South Africa as a precautionary measure.
“Following MRI and X-ray scans, it has been confirmed that Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during Saturday’s match against New Zealand,” said the PCB in an official statement.
“The injury is not serious, and he is expected to be fully recovered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which commences in Karachi on February 19,” the statement concluded.
The PCB medical team remains optimistic about Rauf’s availability for the tournament but will continue monitoring his progress in the coming days.
Pakistan Falls to Heavy Defeat Against New Zealand
Meanwhile, in the first match of the tri-nation ODI series, New Zealand secured a commanding 78-run victory over Pakistan.
Batting first, Glenn Phillips smashed an unbeaten century, supported by Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, who contributed with half-centuries, propelling New Zealand to 330/6.
Pakistan’s chase started positively, with Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam stitching together a 52-run opening stand. However, despite Fakhar’s resilient knock, Pakistan’s batting faltered, and they were bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs.
Pakistan Squad for Tri-Nation Series & 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
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
Pakistan will look to bounce back in their next match against South Africa on February 12 in Karachi.
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