NEW DELHI: Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf was embroiled in controversy on Tuesday after a video emerged of him having a heated argument with a fan. The incident came after Pakistan’s initial dominance in the T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies led to disappointing exits with surprise losses to tournament debutants USA and traditional rivals India.
In a viral video, Rauf is seen walking with his wife when they come across a group of people. Though the exact details of the conversation are unclear, the group was reportedly taunting Rauf over Pakistan’s poor performance in the tournament.
Responding to the taunt, the cricketer, visibly shaken, charged over the hedge towards the group.
Despite his wife’s attempts to intervene and calm him down, Rauf took off his slippers and walked towards the group, where he was restrained by one of them.
After the incident, Rauf said: “If any of my family members are caught up in this, I will not hesitate to take action.”
“I decided not to address this on social media, but now that the video has been released I feel the need to address the situation,” Rauf wrote to X.
“As public figures, we are open to any kind of feedback from the public. They have the right to support or criticise us. But when it comes to my parents and family, I will not hesitate to respond accordingly. It is important to show respect to people and their families, irrespective of their profession,” he further wrote.
Pakistan fast bowler Rauf’s teammates and former cricketers came out to support him after he got into a scuffle with a fan.
“The way Haris Rauf has been treated is absolutely disgraceful. No one has the right to disrespect or treat another person with disrespect. I am also shocked at those who shared this video. Why put a few likes over our humanity? Stay strong Haris. We are united with you,” Shaheen Shah Afridi said.
Pakistan fast bowler Hassan Ali said criticism should be constructive.
“I have seen the video circulating online regarding Harry. I would like to remind all my dear cricket fans to remember that criticism can be constructive and not hurtful. Let’s respect the players’ families and keep the discussions thoughtful. Let’s spread love, peace and respect for cricket. We all want Pakistan cricket to grow. Love you all,” Ali said.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi called the incident “unacceptable”.
“Haris Rauf incident is totally unacceptable! We should never lose respect or cross any line. Those spreading hatred should stop immediately,” Afridi said.
“It is fans’ right to criticise our performance. We accept it and try to learn from it. Personally attacking someone in the presence of their family is not ok and unacceptable. How would you feel if someone attacks you personally when you are with your family? #HarisRauf,” Shadab Khan said.
“Saying that my family committed a crime, that our family committed a crime, that they violated public property is nonsense and will not be tolerated!! Criticism is always welcome but it should not take the form of disrespect or abusive language,” Mohammed Nawaz said.
“It doesn’t matter whether the person who insulted Haris Rauf is from Pakistan or India. What really matters is that this person lacked values and manners. No one has the right to insult a human being, especially in front of his family. This terrible behaviour must stop. Values like tolerance, respect and compassion are becoming increasingly rare,” Mohammed Rizwan said.
In a viral video, Rauf is seen walking with his wife when they come across a group of people. Though the exact details of the conversation are unclear, the group was reportedly taunting Rauf over Pakistan’s poor performance in the tournament.
Responding to the taunt, the cricketer, visibly shaken, charged over the hedge towards the group.
Despite his wife’s attempts to intervene and calm him down, Rauf took off his slippers and walked towards the group, where he was restrained by one of them.
After the incident, Rauf said: “If any of my family members are caught up in this, I will not hesitate to take action.”
“I decided not to address this on social media, but now that the video has been released I feel the need to address the situation,” Rauf wrote to X.
“As public figures, we are open to any kind of feedback from the public. They have the right to support or criticise us. But when it comes to my parents and family, I will not hesitate to respond accordingly. It is important to show respect to people and their families, irrespective of their profession,” he further wrote.
Pakistan fast bowler Rauf’s teammates and former cricketers came out to support him after he got into a scuffle with a fan.
“The way Haris Rauf has been treated is absolutely disgraceful. No one has the right to disrespect or treat another person with disrespect. I am also shocked at those who shared this video. Why put a few likes over our humanity? Stay strong Haris. We are united with you,” Shaheen Shah Afridi said.
Pakistan fast bowler Hassan Ali said criticism should be constructive.
“I have seen the video circulating online regarding Harry. I would like to remind all my dear cricket fans to remember that criticism can be constructive and not hurtful. Let’s respect the players’ families and keep the discussions thoughtful. Let’s spread love, peace and respect for cricket. We all want Pakistan cricket to grow. Love you all,” Ali said.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi called the incident “unacceptable”.
“Haris Rauf incident is totally unacceptable! We should never lose respect or cross any line. Those spreading hatred should stop immediately,” Afridi said.
“It is fans’ right to criticise our performance. We accept it and try to learn from it. Personally attacking someone in the presence of their family is not ok and unacceptable. How would you feel if someone attacks you personally when you are with your family? #HarisRauf,” Shadab Khan said.
“Saying that my family committed a crime, that our family committed a crime, that they violated public property is nonsense and will not be tolerated!! Criticism is always welcome but it should not take the form of disrespect or abusive language,” Mohammed Nawaz said.
“It doesn’t matter whether the person who insulted Haris Rauf is from Pakistan or India. What really matters is that this person lacked values and manners. No one has the right to insult a human being, especially in front of his family. This terrible behaviour must stop. Values like tolerance, respect and compassion are becoming increasingly rare,” Mohammed Rizwan said.
