Shahid Afridi: “He has given some fantastic performances for Pakistan. That boy will improve even more when he plays longer format cricket. When he plays four-day cricket, his bowling will automatically improve, but right now, he needs our support”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan power-hitter Shahid Afridi has advised pace bowler Haris Rauf to play more longer format cricket as it will help him “improve even more.”
Rauf was set to feature in Pakistan’s three-match Test series against Australia, but withdrew from the tour at the last minute due to workload concerns.
Instead, the 30-year-old went on to play for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL).
This decision resulted in his central contract being terminated before it was ultimately restored following a wave of backlash.
Afridi believes Rauf can be an asset for Pakistan in Tests and thus urged him to feature in first-class cricket in order to hone his skills.
“He has given some fantastic performances for Pakistan. That boy will improve even more when he plays longer format cricket. When he plays four-day cricket, his bowling will automatically improve, but right now, he needs our support,” he was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
Despite not featuring in the Australia Test series, Rauf played for Pakistan in their five-match T20I series against New Zealand and snapped up seven wickets in four games at an average of 23 and an economy rate of 10.61.
Most recently, he was in action for the Lahore Qalandars in the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL) and took two wickets in four games at an average of 66 and an economy rate of 9.42.
His PSL 9 campaign came to a premature end after he dislocated his shoulder.
Since he is still recovering, Rauf was not selected for Pakistan’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which will take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from April 18 to 27.
Pakistan Squad for New Zealand T20I Series: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan
Non-travelling reserves: Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha