In response to queries regarding his aggressive stance against India in the upcoming 2023 World Cup, Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf confidently asserted that cricket was the game at hand, not war. The exchange took place during a media interaction, shedding light on his mindset for the highly anticipated match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Rauf had faced criticism for getting into a heated argument with Indian keeper-batsman Ishan Kishan during a game in the Asia Cup 2023. Despite the possibility of Pakistan having a weaker bowling lineup in the World Cup, the 29-year-old fast bowler seems ready to challenge the Indian batsmen mentally.
“Why should I fight with Indians? It is not war, but cricket” stated the speedster unequivocally.
During the Asia Cup 2023, Haris Rauf performed exceptionally well, especially when he took four wickets for just 19 runs against Bangladesh in Lahore. However, his journey in the tournament hit a bump when he got a side strain while playing against India in the Super 4 game. This injury made him unavailable for the reserve day.
His absence was sorely felt by Babar Azam and his team, as they conceded a whopping 356 runs in 50 overs and subsequently lost to the Men in Blue by a 228-run margin.