After a video of him having a heated argument with a fan went viral on social media, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf issued a statement regarding the incident.
“I chose not to speak about this on social media, but now that the video has been made public I feel the need to address the situation,” Rauf wrote.
“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 added.
It’s disgusting when fans call out names to players when they’re out with their families. This has to stop. You may not agree with the player’s performance, but you can’t use that kind of language when the player is out with his family. Be respectful. pic.twitter.com/XFy9zh6wZ8
— Iftisham-ul-Haq (@iihtishamm) June 18, 2024
A video circulating online shows Rauf walking alongside his wife when they collide into a group of people, with the pacemaker losing his cool after hearing a conversation that is not audible in the video, and charging towards one of the group members.
Shaheen Shah Afridi also supported Rauf on his X account.It’s a total shame. Harris Rauf was treated badly. No one has the right to treat another person with disrespect or lack of respect. I am also shocked at the people who shared this video. Why prioritize likes over humanity? Stay strong. Harris“We stand united with you,” Afridi wrote.
Pakistan goalkeeper and batsman Mohammed Rizwan also defended Rauf, writing, “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 their family. This terrible behaviour must stop. Values like tolerance, respect and compassion are becoming increasingly rare.”
Rauf has come under scrutiny after his team, along with Pakistan, suffered early elimination from the 2024 T20 World Cup after losing to the United States and India in the group stage.
Rauf took seven wickets for Pakistan in four World Cup matches at an economy of 6.73, making him the team’s joint-highest wicket-taker along with Mohammed Amir.
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