Playing for Pakistan in front of home fans brings no added pressure: Haris Rauf

Pacer who’s earned his name in franchise cricket says he is ready for highest level

By Web Desk
January 21, 2020

Pakistan cricket team’s newest pace sensation Haris Rauf on Tuesday rejected the notion that graduating to international level from franchise cricket would saddle him with any added pressure.

“There is a difference between playing league cricket and playing for your country. The mindset is [different of course]. But in a home series, the crowd at the stadium is your own, which provides a boost instead of adding any pressure. I take this as a positive,” Rauf said days after leaving Australia and linking up with the national squad back home for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh.

Rauf, who was one of the stars of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), claiming 16 wickets in just seven matches for Melbourne Stars.

That and his association with Pakistan Super League franchise Lahore Qalandars has led some to believe that he is a T20 specialist — another notion the pacer is keen to erase.

“My aim is to play continuously and for long periods,” he said, reiterating that “I want to represent Pakistan in all the formats.”

Rauf fired a warning in the direction of Bangladeshi batsmen, saying that he touched the 150kmph mark in the BBL and would want to bowl just as quick in the upcoming series.

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