The Hundred 2023: Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf exit the tournament midway, to embrace national duties

As The Hundred tournament reaches its midway, two cricketing stars, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi, are bidding farewell to their respective teams to embark on their national duty assignments. In a wave of gratitude and camaraderie, both players took to social media to express their appreciation.

In the midst of their impressive performances in The Hundred, Rauf and Afridi showcased their talents in six matches each. Haris Rauf's quick bowling earned him five wickets at an average of 24.60 and an economy rate of 7.38, with his best bowling figures of 3/27. Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi's contributions included six wickets, with a best bowling figure of 2/22. His average of 21.00 and economy rate of 7.56 reinforced his prowess on the field.

Haris Rauf, known for his fiery pace and wicket-taking abilities, conveyed his gratitude in a heartfelt tweet: "It was great to experience this tournament! Thanks for having me, @thehundred. Couldn’t stay till the final but I hope my team @welshfire wins! On to my next duty!" Rauf's words encapsulated his fond memories and aspirations for his team's success.

Following suit, Shaheen Afridi, another prominent figure in the cricketing arena, expressed his gratitude for being part of The Hundred: "It was a great experience with the Welsh Fire squad, Unfortunately, I have to leave midway but until next time. Good luck!" Afridi's tweet resonated with a sense of responsibility and excitement for what lies ahead.

Both players are now going to don the national colours as they embrace their next assignments. Pakistan's cricket team is set to face Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series, scheduled from August 22 to August 26. This series serves as a prelude to the eagerly anticipated Asia Cup 2023, a marquee event co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the forthcoming matches and the electrifying clash of titans, the contributions of players like Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi continue to enrich the cricket landscape. Their transitions from The Hundred to national duties underscore their unwavering commitment to representing their country and striving for excellence on a global stage.