Haris Rauf | Pakistan Cricket Player

Personal Information

Full Name	Haris Rauf
Date of Birth	November 7, 1993
Place of Birth	Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
Nationality	Pakistani
Height	5 feet 11 inches
Batting Style	Right-hand bat
Bowling Style	Right-arm fast
Role	Bowler

Early Life and Background

Family Background:

Haris Rauf was born into a working-class family. His father worked as a welder for the Public Works Department. The family has roots in Sharkool village in the Mansehra district and belongs to the Swati tribe of Pashtuns.

Education:

Haris Rauf attended Islamabad Model College for Boys I-8/3, where he was more interested in football. He helped his school win a football trophy and was named the best player of the tournament. Later, he enrolled in the International Islamic University, Islamabad, for an IT program.

Early Interest in Cricket:

Although he lived near the Diamond Cricket Club in Islamabad, Haris did not formally join the club. Instead, he played tape-ball cricket and worked at a mobile shop to supplement his income. His serious interest in cricket began when he joined the cricket team of International Islamic University, Islamabad.

Youth Career:

Haris Rauf’s cricket journey took a significant turn when his university coach encouraged him to attend the Lahore Qalandars trials in Gujranwala in 2017. Initially hesitant, he eventually agreed and was discovered by Aaqib Javed, who saw his potential.

Domestic Career

Teams Played For:

• Lahore Qalandars
• Baluchistan
• Northern
• Melbourne Stars
• Yorkshire County Cricket Club
• Hawkesbury Cricket Club

First-Class Debut:

Haris Rauf made his first-class debut for Northern in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy on September 28, 2019.

List A Debut:

He debuted in List A cricket for Baluchistan in the Pakistan Cup on April 2, 2019.

Twenty20 Debut:

Haris Rauf made his T20 debut for Lahore Qalandars in the Abu Dhabi T20 Trophy on October 5, 2018.

Notable Performances:

• In his second match for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, Haris took a five-wicket haul against the Hobart Hurricanes. On January 8, 2020, he took a hat-trick against Sydney Thunder, becoming the first Pakistani and first Melbourne Stars bowler to achieve this in the BBL. He also bowled a delivery at 151.3 km/h in that match.
• Haris played a crucial role for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League, taking 4 for 23 against Karachi Kings on February 16, 2019, helping his team secure a victory.

Awards and Recognitions:

Haris Rauf has been recognized as one of the most promising fast bowlers from Pakistan. His rapid rise in the cricketing world and his ability to take wickets consistently have earned him praise from cricket experts and fans alike.

International Career

International Debut

Test Debut:

Haris Rauf made his Test debut on February 1, 2023, against England. He played his first Test match but has not played many Test matches yet.

ODI Debut:

Haris Rauf played his first One Day International (ODI) match on October 30, 2020. This match was against Zimbabwe. Since then, he has played many ODIs for Pakistan.

T20I Debut:

Haris Rauf started his Twenty20 International (T20I) career on January 24, 2020. He played his first T20I match against Bangladesh.

Major Achievements:

Haris Rauf has achieved many things in his cricket career.

Central Contract:

In May 2020, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) gave Haris Rauf a central contract. This contract was for Emerging Players, a new category created for young talent.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021:

Haris Rauf was part of the Pakistan squad for the T20 World Cup in 2021. He performed very well, especially against New Zealand, where he took four wickets.

First Five-Wicket Haul:

On August 22, 2023, Haris Rauf took his first five-wicket haul in international cricket. He took 5 wickets for 18 runs against Afghanistan.

Key Performances:

Haris Rauf has shown his talent in many matches. Some of his key performances include:

Against New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2021:

Haris took 4 wickets for 22 runs. His performance helped Pakistan win the match.

Against Afghanistan in 2023:

Haris took 5 wickets for 18 runs. This was his first five-wicket haul in international cricket.

Records and Milestones:

Haris Rauf has set and broken several records during his career.

1. Most Consecutive Four-Wickets-In-An-Innings in T20Is: Haris Rauf is known for taking four wickets in an innings in consecutive matches.
2. Best Career Strike Rate in ODIs: Haris Rauf has one of the best strike rates in ODIs. His strike rate is 26.5, which is very good for a bowler.
3. Bowler/Batter Combinations in T20Is: Haris Rauf has taken the wicket of the same batsman multiple times in T20Is, making him effective against specific players.

Moreover, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s partnership continues to be a significant asset for any team they play for. Their ability to perform exceptionally well, both individually and together, makes them a crucial part of Pakistan’s bowling attack. As they continue to develop and gain more experience, cricket fans can expect more thrilling performances from this dynamic duo. One of the standout matches where both Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi showcased their best performances together was during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020, specifically in a match for Lahore Qalandars against Peshawar Zalmi on March 17, 2020.

Playing Style and Skills

Batting Style and Strengths:

Haris Rauf is primarily a bowler, but he can bat as well. His batting style is right-handed. He is not known for scoring many runs but can contribute useful runs at the end of an innings.

Bowling Style and Specialties:

Haris Rauf is a right-arm fast bowler. Here are some of his specialties:

• Speed: Haris Rauf is known for his fast bowling. He can bowl at speeds over 140 km/h, which makes him very dangerous for batsmen.
• Yorkers: One of his best deliveries is the yorker. A yorker is a ball that lands at the batsman’s feet, making it hard to hit.
• Bouncers: Haris also bowls good bouncers. These are short-pitched balls that bounce high and surprise the batsman.

Fielding Abilities:

Haris Rauf is a good fielder. He is quick and agile, which helps him field well in the outfield. He has taken many important catches for his team.

Signature Moves/Deliveries:

Haris Rauf has some signature moves that make him stand out:

• Express Pace: His fast bowling is his signature. He often surprises batsmen with his speed.
• Accurate Yorkers: Haris Rauf’s yorkers are very accurate. He uses them especially in the last overs of the game to stop batsmen from scoring runs.

Stats and Records

Test Matches:

• Matches Played: 1
• Runs Scored: 12
• Batting Average: 6.00
• Centuries/Half-Centuries: 0/0
• Wickets Taken: 1
• Bowling Average: 78.00
• Best Bowling: 1/78

While Haris Rauf’s Test career is still in its infancy, he has shown potential. His best inning in Test cricket so far is his debut match against England on December 1, 2022, where he took 1 wicket for 78 runs.

ODI Matches:

• Matches Played: 37
• Runs Scored: 68
• Batting Average: 8.50
• Centuries/Half-Centuries: 0/0
• Wickets Taken: 69
• Bowling Average: 26.40
• Best Bowling: 5/18

In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Rauf has been a vital bowler for his team. His standout performance came with a spectacular 5-wicket haul for just 18 runs against New Zealand on January 13, 2023, showcasing his ability to dismantle the opposition’s batting lineup.

T20I Matches:

• Matches Played: 69
• Runs Scored: 83
• Batting Average: 6.91
• Centuries/Half-Centuries: 0/0
• Wickets Taken: 96
• Bowling Average: 21.58
• Best Bowling: 4/18

Rauf’s impact in T20 Internationals has been significant, with his best performance being 4 wickets for 18 runs against New Zealand on December 18, 2020. His consistent wicket-taking ability makes him a key player in the shorter format of the game.

Domestic and Other T20 Leagues:

In addition to his international career, Haris Rauf has also excelled in domestic and other T20 leagues around the world. His aggressive bowling and ability to perform under pressure have made him a sought-after player in leagues like the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Big Bash League (BBL).

Haris Rauf continues to develop his skills and impress fans and critics alike with his performances on the field. As he gains more experience, there is no doubt that his stats and records will continue to improve, solidifying his place as one of the premier fast bowlers in modern cricket.

Notably, Haris Rauf’s best performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) came on February 7, 2020, while playing for Lahore Qalandars against Quetta Gladiators. In this match, he took 4 wickets for 23 runs, leading his team to a crucial victory. This exceptional performance highlighted his capability to dominate in high-pressure situations and cemented his reputation as a formidable bowler in the league.

Captaincy and Leadership

Captaincy Record:

Haris Rauf is known for his fast bowling, but he has also shown leadership qualities. While he has not been a full-time captain for the Pakistan national team, he has taken on leadership roles in various domestic teams and leagues. His experience and understanding of the game make him a good leader on the field. He helps guide younger players and supports his team with his experience.

Leadership Style:

Haris Rauf’s leadership style is supportive and motivating. He believes in leading by example. When he performs well, it inspires others in the team to do the same. He is always ready to give advice and share his experience with younger players. His positive attitude and dedication to the game make him a respected figure in the team.

Notable Series Wins:

While Haris Rauf has not captained the national team to major victories, he has been an important player in many successful series for Pakistan. For example, his performances in the T20 World Cup and various bilateral series have been crucial for Pakistan’s victories. His leadership and contributions in domestic leagues have also led his teams to notable wins.

Off the Field

Personal Life:

Family:

Haris Rauf comes from a humble background. His family has always supported his cricketing dreams. They have been his backbone throughout his journey from tape-ball cricket to international cricket.

Spouse/Partner:

Haris Rauf is married to his long-time partner, Muzna Masood Malik. She has been a significant part of his life, supporting him through the ups and downs of his cricket career.

Hobbies and Interests:

Outside cricket, Haris Rauf has several hobbies and interests. He enjoys listening to music and watching movies. He also likes to spend time with his friends and family. Haris is interested in fitness and often works out to keep himself in good shape. He loves traveling and exploring new places whenever he gets time off from cricket.

Philanthropy and Charity Work:

Haris Rauf believes in giving back to the community. He has been involved in several charity activities. He often visits hospitals and schools to meet with children and inspire them. Haris has donated to various causes and supports organizations that work for the betterment of society.

Controversies and Challenges

Major Controversies:

Haris Rauf has mostly stayed away from major controversies. He is known for his professional behavior on and off the field. However, like many athletes, he has faced criticism during his career. Sometimes, his performances have been questioned, but Haris has always answered his critics with his performances on the field.

Injuries:

Haris Rauf has faced several injuries during his career including back injury, thumb injury and thigh injury. Being a fast bowler, injuries are a part of the game. He has had issues with his back and hamstrings. These injuries have kept him away from cricket for some time, but he has always worked hard on his recovery and made strong comebacks.

Comebacks:

Haris Rauf is known for his strong comebacks. Every time he has faced an injury or a setback, he has come back stronger. His dedication and hard work have helped him overcome these challenges. His ability to bounce back from tough situations is one of his biggest strengths.

Legacy and Impact

Impact on the Game:

Haris Rauf has had a significant impact on cricket, especially in Pakistan. His journey from tape-ball cricket to international cricket is inspiring for many young players. He has shown that with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve their dreams. His fast bowling has added strength to the Pakistan cricket team, and his performances have won many matches for Pakistan.

Inspirations and Mentorship:

Haris Rauf is inspired by many great cricketers. He looks up to players like Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar, who were legendary fast bowlers for Pakistan. Haris also believes in mentoring young players. He often shares his experiences and gives tips to upcoming cricketers. His guidance is valuable for young talent in Pakistan.

Quotes by/from Player:

Haris Rauf has said many inspiring things during his career. Some of his quotes include:

• “Hard work and dedication can take you anywhere.”
• “Always believe in yourself, even when no one else does.”
• “Cricket is not just a game; it’s my passion and my life.”

Other players and coaches have also praised Haris Rauf. They appreciate his hard work, dedication, and positive attitude. His journey is seen as a motivation for many young cricketers.

Media and Endorsements

Media Appearances:

Haris Rauf has become a popular figure in the media due to his success on the cricket field. He has appeared on various TV shows, interviews, and sports programs. Some notable media appearances include:

1. The PSL Show: Haris has been featured on various episodes of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) show, where he talks about his experiences playing in the league and his journey as a cricketer.
2. ICC Interviews: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has interviewed Haris multiple times, especially during major tournaments like the T20 World Cup. These interviews give fans a chance to hear from Haris about his thoughts on matches and his career.
3. Post-Match Presentations: Haris often appears in post-match presentations where he is interviewed after delivering standout performances. These interviews provide insights into his strategies and mindset during the game.
4. Morning Shows: Haris has also appeared on popular Pakistani morning shows like “Good Morning Pakistan,” where he shares stories from his personal life and discusses his cricketing career.
5. Talk Shows: Haris has been a guest on various talk shows, such as “Aik Din Geo Ke Saath,” where celebrities discuss their life stories and careers in-depth.

Endorsements:

Haris Rauf’s success and popularity have attracted several endorsement deals. He has become a brand ambassador for various companies, promoting their products and services. Some of his notable endorsements include:

1. Pepsi: Haris is a brand ambassador for Pepsi, one of the leading beverage companies in Pakistan. He appears in their commercials and promotional campaigns.
2. Zong: Haris has endorsed Zong, a major telecommunications company in Pakistan. He features in their advertisements promoting their network services.
3. Haier: Haris is also associated with Haier, an electronics and home appliances brand. He participates in their marketing campaigns and product launches.
4. Daraz: Haris promotes Daraz, a popular e-commerce platform in Pakistan. He has been part of their sales campaigns and online promotions.
5. CA Sports: Haris is sponsored by CA Sports, a well-known cricket equipment manufacturer. He uses their gear and appears in their advertisements.

Future Plans

Post-Retirement Plans:

Haris Rauf has a bright future ahead even after he retires from playing cricket. He has mentioned a few plans and interests for his post-retirement life. Haris is interested in coaching young cricketers. He wants to use his experience and knowledge to help train the next generation of fast bowlers. This could involve working with domestic teams, cricket academies, or even the national team.

Involvement in Cricket Post-Retirement:

Haris Rauf intends to stay connected with cricket even after his playing days are over. Some of the ways he plans to stay involved include:

1. Mentorship: Haris wants to mentor young cricketers. He aims to guide them through the challenges of professional cricket and help them develop their skills. He believes in giving back to the cricketing community by sharing his experiences.
2. Cricket Administration: Haris may consider taking up roles in cricket administration. This could involve working with cricket boards or organizations to improve the sport’s infrastructure and support systems.
3. Ambassadorship: Haris will likely continue to serve as a cricket ambassador. He will participate in promotional activities, charity matches, and events that promote the sport both in Pakistan and internationally.

Conclusion

Haris Rauf is a remarkable cricketer and an inspiring figure in the world of cricket. From his humble beginnings to becoming a key player for Pakistan, his journey is a testament to hard work and perseverance. His fast bowling skills, leadership qualities, and dedication to the game have made him a valuable asset to his team. His legacy in cricket will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.