Pakistan ODI Tri-Series: Haris Rauf ruled out of series due to muscular sprain suffered during New Zealand game
"Left-arm fast bowler Akif Javed has been called up as a replacement for Haris Rauf in the tri-nation ODI series," PCB releases statement.
The Champions Trophy is just seven days away and before the upcoming ICC event that will take place in Pakistan and UAE. Just before the event Pakistan are playing a Tri-Series against South Africa and New Zealand which will be a great preparation for them ahead of the tournament which is set to begin on February 19.
There have been a lot of injury woes ahead of the tournament; unfortunately, the home side has also suffered a big blow. During Pakistan’s first Tri-Series match against New Zealand, the Men in Green’s express pace bowler Haris Rauf faced some problems. This led to him going off the field after 6.2 overs and it seems like he has been ruled out of the Tri-Series due to a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall and has been replaced by young left-arm seamer Akif Javed. This might have raised confirmation of his participation in the Champions Trophy but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement to the media saying he will be fully fit for the tournament.
“Left-arm fast bowler Akif Javed has been called up as a replacement for Haris Rauf in the tri-nation ODI series. Haris has been advised to rest after sustaining a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall during Saturday’s match against New Zealand. The replacement is only for the tri-nation ODI series, as Haris Rauf is expected to be fully fit and available for selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” informed PCB in a media release.
Speaking of Akif Javed he might have not yet made his debut in international cricket but has great numbers in the domestic scene. The 24-year-old left-arm quick has taken 52 first-class wickets and 33 List-A wickets. He has also given great performances in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as well where he took 20 wickets in 11 matches for the Rangpur Riders.
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