"Let's promote love, peace and respect for the game" - Pakistan cricket fraternity bats for Haris Rauf over viral video of his altercation with fan
The Pakistan cricket fraternity expressed their disagreement with a fan's behavior in the U.S, which led to Haris Rauf getting into an altercation with the individual. The footage of the incident went viral on social media in no time as Rauf had to put up a tweet and clear the air.
According to Rauf, he is open to all types of criticism for his bad performances, but a fan allegedly hurled abuses at his parents, resulting in the cricketer getting involved in a heated spat with the fan.
Although his wife and security officials tried to stop Rauf, he was infuriated by the comment from the fan and lashed out at him.
However, they were separated by the officials, which avoided a collision. Rauf was also heard saying, "Ye India nahi hai tera" (This is not your India). The fan turned out to be Pakistani, with Rauf responding by questioning his upbringing.
Several cricketers like Hassan Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Ahmed Shehzad and Shadab Khan took to X and requested the fans to refrain from personal attacks on a cricketer. According to them, constructive criticism is always welcome but disrespect is completely unacceptable.
Check out the Pakistan cricketers' reactions to Haris Rauf's incident:
"As cricket fans, you can criticize 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. Criticize them for grouping in the team, for their friendships which has kept deserving players out, for prioritizing personal milestones over country's collective success, and for the betterment of Pakistan cricket only," Ahmed Shehzad tweeted.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the incident and intends to pursue legal action against the fan, if he doesn't apologize to Haris Rauf.
"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 apologize to Haris Rauf, failing which we will pursue legal action against the individual responsible," Naqvi posted.
Haris Rauf had an impressive T20 World Cup 2024 campaign
The Men in Green had a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, as they faced a first-round exit after losing to India and USA. However, Haris emerged as the joint-highest wicket for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup with seven scalps in four appearances.
The 30-year-old produced the best figures of 3/21 off four overs against India while taking wickets of Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah.