Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has expressed confidence in his fitness ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence on Wednesday in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Rauf returned to a practice session days after suffering an injury scare during the recently concluded tri-nation series against New Zealand and South Africa.
While talking to the media on the sidelines of the practice session, Rauf appeared confident about his fitness, stating that the team management would decide whether he would play against New Zealand in the tournament opener.
“I am feeling better than before. I have practiced for two days and bowled today,” said the pacer.
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“Personally, I am satisfied with my fitness and not feeling any pain, but the final decision rests with management whether I will play against New Zealand or not,” remarked Rauf.
The fast bowler reflected on Pakistan’s bowling unit and the strategy of playing with three fast bowlers and one front-line spinner.
“Our bowling unit is not limited to only one spinner. We also have Khushdil Shah and Agha Salman, who play a part in the match as spinners depending on the conditions,” explained the speedster.
For the unversed, the pacer sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during their opening game of the tri-series against New Zealand.
Later, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called up left-arm fast bowler Akif Javed to replace Haris Rauf in the tri-nation ODI series.
“The replacement is only for the tri-nation ODI series, as Haris Rauf is expected to be fully fit and available for selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” a PCB spokesperson said at the time of the announcement.
The Pakistan pacer seemed to have recovered from his injury as he bowled in the team’s practice session in Karachi.
The right-arm quick sprinted during the practice session and bowled alongside pacers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain.
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