Haris Rauf discusses his recovery and return to competitive cricket as the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 approaches. After an injury layoff, he made a comeback in the second T20I match at Edgbaston, just in time for the tournament.
Having been sidelined for three months due to a dislocated shoulder, Rauf reflected on his time away from the game. “I was injured the last few months, but if you believe in yourself, the layoff can be a blessing in disguise,” he stated at a press conference before Pakistan’s third T20I against England in Cardiff. “It gives you time to recover and reassess your game plans. It felt great returning to cricket. Playing for your country is a huge honor.”
Rauf sustained his injury in February during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), causing him to miss not only the rest of the PSL but also Pakistan’s home series against New Zealand and their away series in Ireland.
In his return at Edgbaston, Rauf showcased his skills by taking two crucial wickets, dismissing England’s top scorers, Jos Buttler and Will Jacks, while conceding 34 runs in his four overs. This performance marked a strong comeback, especially after conceding 17 runs in his opening over. Despite his efforts, Pakistan fell short, scoring only 160 in response to England’s 183.
“When you lose a game it hurts, but as a team, we remain confident,” Rauf said. “We believe we can beat any opposition on any day. We’ve proven it before. Mistakes are learning opportunities, and we aim to correct them. The camp is relaxed, and we’re focused on executing our game plans well. While recent results haven’t always gone our way, sticking to our strategies can turn things around.”
Rauf also touched on the mental challenges of recovering from an injury, echoing sentiments shared by his colleague Naseem Shah. “It’s tough,” he admitted. “Rehab is a struggle, and maintaining pace and accuracy upon return is challenging. But believing in yourself makes a difference. During my rehab, I had a lot of time to reflect and work on my game. I’m grateful to be back, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching.”
Pakistan has been busy leading up to the World Cup, playing 17 T20Is in 2024. These matches have seen significant experimentation, including changes in the top-order and a new captain.
Rauf emphasized the importance of the remaining two games against England, noting they are more than just confidence-boosters before the major event. “Winning a series before the World Cup builds confidence. Even if you lose, you learn from your mistakes. This series is challenging, but we’ll strive to win. Our focus is on the World Cup, which we aim to win to make our country proud.”
Limited tickets remain available for all matches in New York, including access to the Premium Club and the exclusive Diamond Club, where fans can meet cricket legends in the best seats. Watch India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Bangladesh, Canada, Ireland, and hosts USA, and be part of history at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. Visit tickets.t20worldcup.com to get your tickets.
