“The management has handled things pretty well” - Haris Rauf opens up on off-field boycott drama

Haris Rauf praises team management for handling the off-field boycott drama professionally, sharing his perspective on the recent controversy.

By Rui 18 Sep 2025 in Cricket

New Update

Pakistan star pacer Haris Rauf has opened up on the off-field drama ahead of the Pakistan vs UAE clash in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 campaign on Wednesday, September 17, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rauf has asserted that the team management has handled things pretty well and added that he wasn’t feeling any pressure while all such decisions are up to the board.

For the unversed, the Pakistani team, led by Salman Ali Agha, decided to boycott the game against the United Arab Emirates. However, they eventually decided to play the contest after a one-hour delay.

"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 have handled things pretty well,” Rauf said at the post-match press conference.

Delving into the details of the game vs the UAE, Pakistan batted first, posting a total of 146/9 in 20 overs. No.3 batter Fakhar Zaman went on to score 50 runs in 36 balls with two fours and three sixes. On the other hand, Shaheen Shah Afridi continued his batting heroics, amassing a quickfire 14-ball 29-run unbeaten knock with three fours and two sixes.

In the chase, the UAE batters got all out for 105 runs in 17.4 overs. Keeper-batter Rahul Chopra was the top scorer, amassing 35 runs in 35 balls with a four and a six. Speaking on the Pakistani batting collapse, Rauf had his say.

"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,” he added.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!