Former Pakistan fast bowler Abdur Rauf Khan has strongly criticized Haris Rauf following his remarks after Pakistan’s win against Sri Lanka in the first ODI at Rawalpindi.
Haris, who played a key role in Pakistan’s six-run victory by taking four wickets for 61 runs, had said during the post-match press conference that players are human and cannot perform perfectly in every game.
He added that bowling in cold conditions was tough but he always gives his full effort for the team.
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“There’s no forgiveness for us, people expect us to perform like robots, but we are human beings and can have bad days. We always give our best; sometimes results are good, sometimes they aren’t. People forget ten good matches and only remember one bad one,” Haris said.
However, Abdur Rauf was unimpressed by the pacer’s comments and questioned his record in big tournaments.
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Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the former cricketer said Haris has failed to deliver in crucial games and often underestimates fans’ understanding of the sport.
“Haris Rauf thinks the public and fans are foolish. He says he cannot perform in every match, but in which ICC event has he ever performed?” Abdur Rauf wrote.
He went on to list several examples, blaming Haris for Pakistan’s poor performances in recent years.
“You gave away 20 (15) runs on a ground like Melbourne in the 2022 World Cup (against India) and cost Pakistan the match. In the 2023 Asia Cup, you couldn’t even complete your bowling quota. Then, in the 2023 World Cup in India, Pakistan suffered humiliation again because of you,” he said.
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The former pacer continued his criticism, adding, “You got Pakistan embarrassed by a new team like the USA in 2024 after crashing out in the first round. In the Champions Trophy 2025, we were knocked out in just four days, again, extremely third-class bowling. Then in the Asia Cup 2025 final (against India), you conceded 50 runs in 3.4 overs against India.”
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Abdur Rauf also challenged Haris to name one ICC event where he had helped Pakistan win a match.
“You’ve played only two first-class matches and bowled very poorly. You people don’t even have the stamina to play five first-class matches,” he said.
Comparing him with Australian star Mitchell Starc, Abdur Rauf said Haris should learn from his professionalism.
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“Starc plays Sheffield Shield cricket in Australia, go and see what real professionalism looks like, how cricket is played without lobbies. Starc led Australia to the World Test Championship final (2023), won the 50-over (2023) and T20 World Cup (2021), made his team number one, and still plays domestic cricket with full commitment,” he concluded.
Despite the criticism, Haris Rauf’s four-wicket spell was crucial in Pakistan’s win, helping them take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
The second ODI against Sri Lanka will also be played at the same venue in Rawalpindi on Friday, November 14.
