Srinagar: Having being subjected to high level pressure after withdrawal from Australia Test tour, pacer Haris Rauf considered retirement from International cricket.
When Haris Rauf withdrawed from Test tour, even Mohammad Hafeez, the team director of the Pakistan cricket team had criticized Haris Rauf’s decision.
Now a report by a Pakistan media outlet claimed that Rauf was disheartened by the criticism and even contemplated international retirement at one point. However, after consulting with friends, he reversed his decision and refocused on his cricketing career.
The report also mentioned that former director Mickey Arthur, recognizing Rauf’s exceptional pace, actively tried to persuade him to join the Australia tour during the 2023 World Cup.
Arthur emphasized Rauf’s importance as a key asset, expressing a keen desire to see him in action against Australia in Test matches.
Despite Arthur’s efforts, Rauf consistently rejected the proposals, citing his limited experience in first-class cricket and concerns about potential injuries.
The report further claimed that during the World Cup, the 30-year-old fast bowler had cautioned the team management about his fitness concerns. Rauf expressed reservations about his current fitness level, anticipating challenges during Test matches and emphasizing the need for careful consideration.