DUBAI: Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf has made a bold statement ahead of the high-octane clash against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be played here on 23 February.
While talking to the media, Rauf emphasized that the Men in Green are focused and composed ahead of their match against India, downplaying the concerns about the team’s morale after the defeat against New Zealand in the event’s opener.
“There’s no pressure at all; everyone is relaxed, and we’ll approach the match just like any other normal game,” Rauf said.
The fast bowler highlighted that the team is confident in giving their best in the next match.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
“All the boys are positive and will try their best. Every match is important for us, and everyone will give their maximum effort.”
“The goal is to put in full effort across all three departments and plan accordingly to win this match,” said the pacer.
While answering a question regarding the injuries of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub and their impact on the team, he stated that injuries are part and parcel of the game and could happen to anybody at any time.
“Injuries can happen anytime—you can even get injured while walking. Some things are beyond your control, and there’s no point in overthinking them. It has nothing to do with coaching or anything else,” he explained.
Keeping Pakistan’s recent success in mind at the venue, Haris Rauf admitted the importance of their record against India.
Catch every Champions Trophy update here!
“No doubt, we have defeated India twice at this venue, and we will try to play the same kind of cricket that helped us win those matches. Many of the boys are confident that it will be a good game,” he added.
Haris Rauf further stated that the pitch depends on what conditions are demanding, and this pitch could also favour spinners.
“The record here is quite good, but in the end, it all depends on what the conditions demand. Sometimes, it turns into a spin-friendly track, but the focus is to utilize the conditions in the best possible way,” he concluded.
It’s worth noting that the defending champions and hosts Pakistan began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a 60-run loss against New Zealand.
Pakistan will now face arch-rivals India in the much-awaited clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23 before returning home to square off against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.
Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
READ: Champions Trophy: Jos Buttler banks on PSL experience ahead of Australia match