Melbourne Stars will have a special stand for Pakistani cricket fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. The stand will be called the “House of Rauf” and is meant to connect with South Asian fans, especially Pakistanis, during home matches. Stars’ General Manager, Max Abbott, said this idea was started to celebrate Pakistani fans and their culture. Haris Rauf, who has been with the Stars since 2019, is now one of the main fast bowlers for Pakistan.

The “House of Rauf” stand will honour his journey and give Pakistani fans in Australia a chance to feel more involved. On match days, the stand will be full of food, music, and cultural events, making it one of the busiest places at the ground.

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Melbourne Stars Launch “House of Rauf”

Max Abbott, General Manager of Melbourne Stars, said the initiative is designed to build a stronger bond between the franchise and South Asian fans. “We want Pakistani fans to come, enjoy our matches, and showcase their heritage,” Abbott said.

Haris Rauf, one of Pakistan’s top fast bowlers and a fan favorite in the BBL, has been chosen as the key ambassador for the stand. The right-arm pacer has been part of the Stars since 2019. By 2024, he has played 22 BBL matches, taking 36 wickets with an economy rate of 7.75. Abbott praised Rauf, saying, “Haris has been an incredible ambassador for the Stars, and we love the support from the Pakistani community that he has helped us build.”

A Vibrant Match-Day Experience

The House of Rauf stand will give fans a lively match-day experience inspired by Pakistani culture. It will feature food, music, and community activities. Abbott also said this initiative fits with Cricket Australia’s Multicultural Action Plan, which works to include multicultural groups and promote diversity in cricket. Rauf has already left a big mark in the BBL. In just 22 matches, he has taken 36 wickets, including his best figures of 5/27 against Hobart Hurricanes in his debut season (2019–20). That season, he also took his only T20 hat-trick, making an instant impact in the league.

BBL 2024–25 Season

The new Big Bash League season will start on December 14, with Perth Scorchers facing Sydney Sixers. The Stars will play their first game against Hobart Hurricanes on December 18.