Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has raised doubts over the fitness of fast bowler Haris Rauf, saying he might be unable to participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
For the unversed, Haris Rauf left the field during the 36th over of the tri-nation series opener against New Zealand after bowling 6.2 overs due to a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region.
“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,” PCB shared in a 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 19 February.”
However, in a recent interview, Mohammad Amir said that Haris could be ruled out for at least six months if sustained a side strain.
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“If Haris Rauf has a side strain, he cannot recover fully before six weeks. If it’s just stiffness, then that’s different,” said Amir. “If it is a grade one or two side strain, no matter what, it will take six weeks, and then the rehab starts.”
The former Pakistan pacer also shared his experience of having the same injury a few years back.
“I got this injury during PSL a couple of years ago. If it is a side strain of grade one or two, then I don’t think he [Haris Rauf] can play the Champions Trophy,” he added.
Mohammad Amir also opined that it would be ‘foolish’ to risk unfit Haris Rauf’s career for the mega event.
“I think it will be foolish to risk his career for three matches of a tournament because he won’t be able to give his 100 per cent,” said Mohammad Amir.
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