Pakistan have received a huge injury boost ahead of the all-important ICC T20 World Cup 2024 as their fast-bowler Haris Rauf is all set to make his much-awaited return to action.
The right-arm pacer has not played a competitive game since February. His last appearance came on February 24 when he plied his trade for Lahore Qalandars against Karachi Kings in PSL 2024. Haris Rauf suffered a shoulder injury when he dived to take a catch and was ruled out of the remainder of PSL. He managed to play just four games of the season.
He missed the five-match T20I series against New Zealand at home before being recalled for the ongoing tour of the UK. Haris Rauf was named in the 18-member squad for the series against Ireland and England. And while he did not play in the recently-concluded three-match series against Ireland, he is set to play against England.
According to reports, the pacer has started training with the Pakistan side ahead of the first T20I at Leeds on May 22.
“He is looking sharp and bowling with rhythm in the nets,” a Pakistan team official told PTI.
“Now, the medical panel of the Pakistan team, including team doctor, physiotherapist, trainer and head coach, will take a call on whether to pitch Haris back into international cricket against England or give him more time to recover for the World Cup,” he added.
The report further stated that Pakistan captain Babar Azam wanted to test Haris Rauf’s fitness in the first T20I before the selectors pick the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup.
“The skipper wants to see Haris back in action so that a proper assessment can be made about his workload as well,” he said.
Pakistan eye T20 World Cup:
Pakistan are scheduled to play four T20Is against England before leaving for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in the USA and West Indies next month. The Men in Green are in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, Ireland, Canada, and the USA.
Pakistan will be desperate to go all the way in the T20 World Cup this year after missing out in the last two editions. In 2021, they bowed out at the semifinal stage before losing the final against England in 2022.
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