A blow for Pakistan just months out from the start of the T20 World Cup as an experienced quick injures his shoulder. Pakistan’s preparations for this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup have taken a hit with news that star pacer Haris Rauf has dislocated his shoulder and will be sidelined for up to six weeks.
Rauf hurt his shoulder while fielding for the Lahore Qalandars in the ongoing Pakistan Super League and the diagnosis by medical staff revealed the right-armer would need a total of four-to-six weeks to recover from the injury.
That means Rauf will miss the remainder of Pakistan’s domestic T20I tournament and will not get the chance for valuable match practice in the lead-up to the start of the T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean in June.
Pakistan teammate and Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi said it was vital to provide Rauf with ample time to recover so the fast bowler can feature during the T20 World Cup.
“As a team, we are deeply saddened by Haris Rauf’s injury. It was painful to see him missing out as he’s been a pillar of strength for us, and his absence will be felt. In the face of adversity, we stand united, and I have full confidence that the team will rise to the occasion,” Afridi said.
“It’s indeed a setback for the franchise, but he is also Pakistan’s main bowler and we have a lot of cricket coming up ahead, so a pragmatic approach was to give him maximum time to recover.
“Wishing him a speedy recovery and we eagerly await his return to the field stronger than ever. Our thoughts and support are with him during this challenging time.”
Haris Rauf‘s pace sets fire to the tournament | ICC Men’s T20WC 2022 Watch the best of the incredible Haris Rauf from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.
Rauf has managed eight wickets in each of the last two editions of the T20 World Cup and was a vital member of Pakistan’s squad that reached the final of the most recent tournament in Australia in 2022 when they fell to an five-wicket loss to England.
