'Decision for board...'- Pakistan star reacts to question on Asia Cup 2025 boycott threat
The star member of the Pakistan side, Haris Rauf, has reacted to the question of the national team giving threat to boycott the 2025 season of the Asia Cup ahead of their clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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There was considerable drama surrounding the presence of match referee Andy Pycroft during the group stage clash between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates on September 17 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The game was delayed by an hour at the request of the PCB, as they had earlier threatened to pull out of the ongoing Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025.
All these started when India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, didn’t shake hands with his opposite number, Salman Ali Agha, and continued the trend even after the end of the encounter as the Blue Brigade went upstairs and locked themselves in the room. Due to the protest, PCB didn’t send their captain to the presentation ceremony and held the pre-match press conference in the UAE. Harif Rauf, the pacer of the side, reflected on the situation.
See Also: Saim Ayub registers unwanted record during PAK vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 clash
“I wasn’t feeling any pressure. This is not in my control. These are decisions for the board; it’s their headache. For me, I had to play the match; my focus was on that. The management has handled things pretty well.” Rauf expressed during the post-match presentation.
Haris Rauf reflects on question of Asia Cup 2025 boycott issue
Pakistan’s poor show with the bat continued as they ended with 146/9 in their 20 overs of the first innings. Fakhar Zaman smashed 50 runs in 36 balls at a strike rate of 138.89. However, the biggest punch came from Shaheen Afridi’s undefeated knock of 29 runs in 14 balls at a strike rate of over 200.
“It’s not my domain to speak on who plays and who doesn’t—that’s for the coaches and captain. As a player, if we get the opportunity, it’s on us to make the most of it. As for the batsmen, I’m sure they are discussing things among themselves. We have a few days before the next game, so hopefully we can prepare well.” Rauf addressed.
Rauf picked up two wickets in the bowling alongside Afridi and Abrar Ahmed. They bundled out the UAE side for 105 runs in 17.4 overs to earn a 41-run victory and will face India on September 21 in Dubai for the Super 4 stage.
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