Former pacer raises doubts over Haris Rauf's availability for Champions Trophy

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir raised doubts over Haris Rauf’s availability for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to commence on February 19.

Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest during the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and as a ‘precautionary measure’, was rested for the remaining matches.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) deemed his injury not serious and stated that the right-arm speedster is likely to fully recover for the Champions Trophy 2025.

“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 had 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."

Meanwhile, Amir, during a recent interview, said that if Rauf sustained a side strain, then he will be out for at least six weeks and thus, will miss the upcoming eight-team tournament.

“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.

“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 can play the Champions Trophy. 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.”