Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf was targetted by a fan during a recent match of a franchise-based league. Rauf, who was fielding near the boundary rope, was reminded of Virat Kohli‘s iconic six off his bowling during the T20 World Cup in 2022. For the unversed, Kohli hit Rauf for back-to-back sixes during India’s intense run-chase against Pakistan. One of those sixes landed straight on the sightscreen after Kohli stepped aside to non-chalantly pull Rauf’s short-pitched delivery straight down the ground. 

That iconic shot from Kohli received a lot of praise from fans and experts, especially with the star batter helping India pull off an improbable chase.

Since then, Rauf have been often quizzed about Kohli’s iconic six off his delivery, and the Pakistan pacer has been praised the former India captain for pulling that off.

However, a bunch of fans targetted him during a match. Rauf is currently playing for the Welsh Fire in the ongoing edition of the Hundred.

“Haris bhai, Melbourne abhi bhi yaad aata hai? Virat ke do chakke (Do you remember Melbourne, Virat’s two sixes),” a fan asked Rauf.

However, Rauf handled the troll very casually, replying that he still remembers that he still remembers those two sixes.

“Ji yaad hai, abhi bhi yaad hai (Yes, I remember. I still remember),” Rauf responded.

A fan in Pakistan mock Haris rauf for the 2 sixes by king Kohli pic.twitter.com/2O4X2UW4iH

— VIKASH CHOUDHARY (@vikashbenda18) August 2, 2024

Rauf recently made headline after a video of him charging towards a trolling fan went viral on Wednesday. In the video it can bee seen that Rauf and his wife were walking down a path, when a group of people said something towards them. Some of those people were wearing Pakistan jersey.

After Pakistan’s group stage exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, a fan was caught on camera in an argument with Haris Rauf, having allegedly thrown insults at the player’s family.

Pakistan World Cup winner Mushtaq Ahmed praised under-fire Pakistan captain Babar Azam, and stated that he requires contributions from the rest of the players. He went on to ask that more respect be shown towards Babar. Babar and the rest of the Pakistan team were heavily criticised by former players, experts and fans as Pakistan crashed out of the 2024 T20 World Cup after the group stage. However, Mushtaq Ahmed rushed to Babar’s defence, stating that he has increased his aggression.

“Babar’s intent has definitely changed in the past year. He has shown aggression in his batting. If a person can improve so much, I think that’s enough,” Mushtaq said to Cricket Pakistan.

“Other players also have a duty to score runs; they have a role to play too. If one person gives you a score, but the rest of our players don’t go on to score in the remaining 7-8 overs, then there’s a problem,” he added.

“This has been happening for 3-4 years. They (other players except Babar) only score when it doesn’t make a significant impact,” stated Mushtaq.

Babar was Pakistan’s top runscorer in the 2024 T20 World Cup, scoring 122 runs in four games, but at a strike rate of just 101.66. Mohammad Rizwan, who scored the second-most runs, had a strike rate of just 90.90.

Mushtaq called for people to respect Babar more, and not forget his contributions to Pakistan cricket.

“If we talk about Babar, there’s a reason why people respect him worldwide. He brings honour to Pakistan. I think sometimes people are very hard on him,” said Mushtaq.

Babar Azam currently ranks among ICC’s top 5 batsmen in all three formats; No. 1 in ODIs, No. 3 in Tests and No. 4 in T20Is.

Despite a rocky T20 World Cup campaign, Babar is expected to retain captaincy, with the ‘major surgery’ earlier promised by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi reportedly unlikely.

Pakistan cricket team batting stalwarts Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed are in the news again for the wrong reasons. After the nation’s group stage exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, many former players, experts and fans have called for a major reshuffling in the team, and for many senior players to be chopped off. Whilst no major changes are likely to be made yet, a video has resurfaced across X, showing Rizwan and Iftikhar struggling against a Pakistani net bowler in a practice session.

In the video that has rapidly gone viral, Rizwan and Iftikhar are being beaten by pace and bounce multiple times. The bowler, however, is not Shaheen Shah Afridi or Naseem Shah, but local bowler Nouman Khan Khaira.

Fans gave no mercy to Rizwan or Iftikhar.

“These local boys should be taken into the Pakistani team and those playing for the side should be rested,” said one user on X.

“They even struggled against part time software engineers of USA,” joked another user on Instagram.

These local boys should be taken into Pakistani teams and those playing for the side should be rested.

— Umar (@umartweets_) July 5, 2024

Rizwan struggled for form during the 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite finishing as Pakistan’s second-highest run-scorer, he batted at a disappointing strike rate of just 90. Most notably, Rizwan failed to guide Pakistan to a victory against India despite being well set during the run chase.

Iftikhar, on the other hand, made just 23 runs in two games, and was dropped from the playing XI.

Pakistan’s early exit

Pakistan exited the 2024 T20 World Cup in the group stage, after back-to-back losses to co-hosts USA and then arch-rivals India in their opening two games. The results led to many criticising Pakistan captain Babar Azam and the rest of the unit, with Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi promising a “major surgery”.

However, recent reports have suggested that Naqvi is unlikely to make large-scale changes in order to avoid conflict with the senior players.

File image of Babar Azam (right) and Shaheen Shah Afridi.© AFP

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is likely to take legal action against YouTubers and former cricketers who accused him of ‘misconduct’ during their campaign in the ongoing T20 World Cup, Geo News reported, citing sources. Babar and the Pakistan team were on the receiving end of criticism from former players and fans because of their World Cup campaign. Sources informed Geo News that during Pakistan’s campaign, a social media campaign was used to “target” Babar, which made him feel “disheartened.”

It was also reported that evidence related to statements made by YouTubers and former cricketers is being collected by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s legal department.

Some of the players and the officials arrived at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport via a private airline flight in the early hours of Wednesday.

The players who returned included Naseem Shah, Usman Khan, and senior manager Wahab Riaz. But, some of the players from the 15-member squad decided to extend their stay in the United States after their shocking early exit from the tournament.

Babar, along with Imad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Azam Khan, are expected to depart on Saturday.

Ahemd Shehzad, a former teammate of Babar at international and domestic level, has been critical of the Pakistan captain ever since the team crashed out of the T20 World Cup.

After featuring in the finals against England in the last edition of the competition, Pakistan crashed out of the ongoing World Cup in the group stage.

Pakistan ended their campaign with a three-wicket win over Ireland in Florida on Sunday, a dead rubber after India and the USA, from Group A, advanced to the Super 8 stage.

Placed in Group A, Pakistan endured back-to-back defeats against the co-hosts, the USA, and then their bitter rival, India.

They bounced back with two wins on the trot, but it wasn’t enough to turn their woeful campaign around and secure a spot in the Super 8.

Pakistan’s next white-ball series will be against Australia in November. The Men in Green will engage in a three-match ODI series, which will kick off on November 4.

(With Added Inputs)

Haris Rauf is making headlines since a video of the Pakistan cricket team star charging towards a trolling fan went viral on Wednesday. In the video it can bee seen that Rauf and his wife were walking down a path, when a group of people said something towards them. Some of those people were wearing Pakistan jersey. In a viral video, Rauf was even referring to the man as “Indian hi hai ye (he must be Indian).” However, the man replied saying: “Pakistani hoon (I am from Pakistan)”.

Kalesh b/w a Fan and Pakistani Bowler Haris Rauf (Haris Rauf Fight His wife tried to stop her, Haris: Ye indian hi hoga

Guy- Pakistani hu)

pic.twitter.com/e4DpwX0b4S

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) June 18, 2024

Now, a Pakistan journalist Waseem Badami has revealed that he talked woth Rauf after the incident and he said that the ‘Indian’ statement was spoken in the heat of the moment. “He shouldn’t have made that ‘Indian’ statement. I did have a word with him and he is convinced that the fan was Pakistani and what he said was in the heat of the moment. I asked him and he said, ‘Wasim bhai, he is from Pakistan. What I said was in the heat of the moment and I shouldn’t have said that’” Badami said on ARY News. 

Haris Rauf confirms the individual who abused and mocked him was Pakistani, not Indian

[via Waseem Badami] pic.twitter.com/wT4Uqwxibi

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) June 18, 2024

Many Pakistan cricketers jumped to the rescue of Haris Rauf, after a video went viral online, where the pacer is seen engaged in a heated squabble with a fan. After Pakistan’s group stage exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, a fan was caught on camera in an argument with Haris Rauf, having allegedly thrown insults at the player’s family. Rauf’s teammates Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali, as well as Ahmed Shehzad, took to social media to address the behaviour of the fans.

Let’s keep the debate respectful and considerate of the players’ families. Let’s promote love, peace and respect for the GAME,” tweeted fellow pacer Hasan Ali.

Shadab Khan was firmer with his words, criticising the fans’ behaviour towards the cricketers.

“It is not OKAY to attack anyone personally in their family’s presence, unacceptable. How would you feel if someone attacked you personally while with family?” posted Shadab on X.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief has issued a stern warning to the fan who was involved in an altercation with the team’s senior cricketer Haris Rauf. The Pakistan pacer was with his wife when he had an argument with a fan, after the team’s T20 World Cup 2024 exit. As the video of the incident went viral on social media, divided opinions surfaced, with some backing Rauf’s reaction and others condemning it. Now, the PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has also reacted to the incident, asking the fan to issue an apology or face legal action.

“Strongly condemn the appalling incident involving Haris Rauf. Such actions against our players are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Those who are involved must immediately apologise to Haris Rauf, failing which we will pursue legal action against the individual responsible.” Naqvi said in a statement on social media.

Strongly condemn the appalling incident involving Haris Rauf. Such actions against our players are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Those who are involved must immediately apologise to Haris Rauf, failing which we will pursue legal action against the individual…

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) June 18, 2024

Rauf himself also took to social media after seeing his video spreading like wildfire. He said: “As public figures, we are open to receiving all kinds of feedback from the public,” Rauf wrote on X. “They are entitled to support or criticize us. Nevertheless, when it comes to my parent and my family, I will not hesitate to respond accordingly. It is important to show respect towards people and their families, irrespective of their professions.”

pic.twitter.com/KuUSZWoDaq

— Haris Rauf (@HarisRauf14) June 18, 2024

Pakistan fans are quite angry having seen their team’s campaign ending early. Pakistan concluded their T20 World Cup 2024 run with a three-wicket win over Ireland in Florida on Sunday, a match deemed dead rubber as India and USA, from Group A, had already advanced to the Super 8 stage.

Placed in Group A, Pakistan endured back-to-back defeats against the co-hosts USA and then to their bitter rivals, India, with the results leaving them on the brink. The Ireland vs USA washed out contest then proved to be the final nail in the coffin for Pakistan.

Babar Azam‘s team bounced back with two wins on the trot, but it wasn’t enough to turn their horror campaign around and seal progression into the next round.

Many Pakistan cricketers jumped to the rescue of Haris Rauf, after a video went viral online, where the pacer is seen engaged in a heated squabble with a fan. After Pakistan’s group stage exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, a fan was caught on camera in an argument with Haris Rauf, having allegedly thrown insults at the player’s family. Rauf’s teammates Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali, as well as Ahmed Shehzad, took to social media to address the behaviour of the fans.

“Let’s keep the debate respectful and considerate of the players’ families. Let’s promote love, peace and respect for the GAME,” tweeted fellow pacer Hasan Ali.

Shadab Khan was firmer with his words, criticising the fans’ behaviour towards the cricketers.

“It is not OKAY to attack anyone personally in their family’s presence, unacceptable. How would you feel if someone attacked you personally while with family?” posted Shadab on X.

A heated argument between Haris Rauf and a fan in the USA. pic.twitter.com/d2vt8guI1m

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 18, 2024

I’ve seen a video circulating online about Harry @HarisRauf14 and I urge all my dearest cricket fans to remember that criticism can be constructive without being hurtful. Let’s keep the debate respectful and considerate of the players’ families. Let’s promote love, peace and…

— Hassan Ali (@RealHa55an) June 18, 2024

It is the right of fans to criticise us for performances. We accept it and try to learn from it. It is not OKAY to attack anyone personally in their family’s presence, unacceptable. How would u feel if someone attacked u personally while with family? #HarisRauf @HarisRauf14

— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) June 18, 2024

Rizwan’s post, however, triggered a major row, as he mentioned that it didn’t matter if the fan was from India or Pakistan, despite the fact that it was cleared by the fan himself that he was from Pakistan.

It is irrelevant whether the person who disrespected Haris Rauf was from Pakistan or India. What truly matters is that this individual lacked values and manners. No one has the right to disrespect any human being, especially in front of their family members. Such appalling…

— Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) June 18, 2024

Rizwan received criticism on social media for bringing India into the debate despite there being no involvement from any Indian fan.

Absolutely unnecessary to mention ‘India’ here when that fan himself claimed he’s from Pakistan.

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 18, 2024

Discarded Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has been the talk of the town on social mediathe last few weeks, criticising Babar Azam and the Pakistan cricket team. However, even he expressed his dislike for the events that had unfolded.

“As cricket fans, you can criticise the performance of players and their actions on the field. No one has the right to ridicule a player or their family, always respect their privacy,” said Shehzad.

As cricket fans, you can criticise the performance of players and their actions on the field. No one has the right to ridicule a player or their family, always respect their privacy. Criticise them for grouping in the team, for their friendships which has kept deserving players…

— Ahmad Shahzad (@iamAhmadshahzad) June 18, 2024

“Criticise them for grouping in the team, for their friendships which has kept deserving players out, for prioritising personal milestones over country’s collective success, and for the betterment of Pakistan cricket only,” he added.

Pakistan’s poor performance in the T20 World Cup – losses to USA and India leading to their early exit – has not gone down well among former Pakistan cricketers and experts, with many calling for a change in the team. However, after the attack on Rauf’s family, the players made sure that such behaviour remains inexcusable.

Haris Rauf clashes with a trolling fan© X (formerly Twitter)

A video of Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf getting into an altercation with a fan in the United States has gone viral. Following the incident former and current players have united to stand up for Rauf. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) threatening ‘legal action against the individual responsible.’

“Strongly condemn the appalling incident involving Haris Rauf. Such actions against our players are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Those who are involved must immediately apologise to Haris Rauf, failing which we will pursue legal action against the individual responsible,” read the statement posted by Naqvi on X.

Strongly condemn the appalling incident involving Haris Rauf. Such actions against our players are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Those who are involved must immediately apologise to Haris Rauf, failing which we will pursue legal action against the individual…

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) June 18, 2024

The incident took place in the afternoon when Rauf was seen walking with his wife. Rauf became enraged with the man. It seemed like the unnamed individual made comments towards the player. A few onlookers prevented Rauf from attacking the man as he went towards him.

A heated argument between Haris Rauf and a fan in the USA. pic.twitter.com/d2vt8guI1m

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 18, 2024

Even Rauf’s wife attempted to stop him, but the talented pacer managed to get out of her hold. The man and Rauf yelled at each other a few times, but the onlookers did a fantastic job of keeping them from hitting each other.

Many cricketers have stood up in support of the 30-year-old pacer.

“It is the right of fans to criticise us for our performances. We accept it and try to learn from it. It is not OKAY to attack anyone personally in their family’s presence, unacceptable. How would u feel if someone attacked u personally while with family? #HarisRauf @HarisRauf14,” read a tweet by Shadab Khan on X.

Their teammate Hasan Ali too condemned fans for getting personal and urged them to be respectful towards the players’ families.

“I’ve seen a video circulating online about Harry @HarisRauf and I urge all my dearest cricket fans to remember that criticism can be constructive without being hurtful. Let’s keep the debate respectful and considerate of the players’ families. Let’s promote love, peace and respect for the GAME. We all want Pakistan cricket to rise, love you all,” Hasan Ali wrote on ‘X’.

The Pakistan team is dispersing from the United States with some players returning home while others will be vacationing in the USA and UK. The players are currently in the process of getting over the past two weeks which saw the former T20 World Cup winners eliminated from the Group Stage of the T20 World Cup.