Haris Rauf: “Everyone has their own opinion, and they are free to express it, but criticism has become a routine in Pakistan cricket”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf said “criticism has become a routine” as the national team have been lambasted constantly over the last few months.
The men in green failed to impress in the 2025 Champions Trophy as they were sent packing in the group stage after going winless throughout their campaign.
Next up was a limited overs tour of New Zealand, where they lost the T20I series 4-1 and the ODIs 3-0.
Rauf made it clear that people have the right to express their opinions, but reiterated that it is normal for the national team to face a barrage of criticism every time they play.
“Everyone has their own opinion, and they are free to express it, but criticism has become a routine in Pakistan cricket,” the 31-year-old was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
After the New Zealand tour, Rauf represented the Lahore Qalandars in the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL) and played a crucial role in helping them win the title as he was the joint second-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 25.70 and an economy rate of 10.28.
Rauf will return to action when Pakistan take on Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series, which will be held in Lahore from May 28 to June 1.
Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh T20I Series: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper) and Saim Ayub