Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has addressed his exclusion from the country’s squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, reaffirming his commitment to continue developing his skills and perform at the highest level.
Rauf Reflects on Squad Omission
In a recent interview conducted in Australia, the 31-year-old pacer acknowledged the disappointment of not being selected for the 15-member Pakistan squad. However, he emphasized that this setback does not mark the end of his cricketing journey.
“Of course, there is disappointment as I was not picked in the T20 World Cup squad,” Rauf said. “But my career won’t end. I will keep working hard and focus more on my bowling.”
Focus on Improvement and Team Support
Rauf, who hails from Rawalpindi, noted that he has been actively working on refining his bowling since the Asia Cup and believes his performance has improved. He also extended his best wishes to the national team competing in the tournament, expressing hope for a strong showing.
On Criticism and Challenges
Addressing the topic of criticism, Rauf differentiated between constructive feedback and personal abuse. He acknowledged that players feel the impact of losses deeply, stating, “When Pakistan lose, players feel the pain as well. Criticism is fine, but disrespect is not.”
He also spoke about the difficulty of bowling in the death overs, describing it as one of the toughest roles in modern cricket.
Views on Pakistan Super League
Looking ahead, Rauf praised the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is set to begin its 11th season in March. He highlighted its growth into a major league that continues to attract international talent.
Overview of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Squad
The squad combines experienced players and emerging talent. Former captain Babar Azam secured his place, while promising names like Khawaja Nafay have been included. The batting lineup features Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Shadab Khan.
All-rounders Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Khan provide balance, while the pace attack is led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. Newcomers Usman Tariq and Salman Mirza, who have impressed in domestic cricket, also join the squad.
