Following a video of Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf getting into an altercation with a fan in the US that has gone viral, former and current players have come together to defend Rauf, with Pakistan Cricket Board president Mohsin Naqvi threatening to “take legal action against those responsible” in a statement on Twitter.
“We strongly condemn the horrific incident involving Haris Rauf. This type of behaviour towards our player is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Those involved must immediately apologise to Haris Rauf. If they do not, we will take legal action against those responsible,” Naqvi’s statement posted on X read.
We strongly condemn the horrific incident involving Haris Rauf. This type of behaviour towards our player is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Those involved must immediately apologise to Haris Rauf. Failure to do so will result in legal action being taken against the individuals involved…
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) June 18, 2024
The incident happened in the afternoon when Rauff was seen walking with his wife. Rauff became enraged at the man. The unnamed individual appeared to say something to the player. Several bystanders prevented Rauff from going towards the man.
A heated argument broke out between American Harris Rauf and a fan. pic.twitter.com/d2vt8guI1m
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 18, 2024
Rauf’s wife also tried to stop him, but he was a talented pacemaker and managed to elude her. The man and Rauf exchanged several shouting exchanges, but onlookers did an excellent job of preventing them from colliding with each other.
Many cricketers came forward in support of the 30-year-old pace bowler.
“It is fans’ right to criticise our performance. We accept it and try to learn from it. It is not ok to attack someone personally in the presence of their family. It is not acceptable. How would you feel if someone attacks you personally when you are with your family? #HarisRauf @HarisRauf14,” Shadab Khan tweeted with X.
Teammate Hasan Ali also condemned the personal attacks from fans and called for respect for players’ families.
“I saw the video about Harry @HarisRauf circulating online and I would like to remind all my beloved cricket fans that criticism can be constructive 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,” Hasan Ali wrote on ‘X’.
The Pakistan team has disbanded from the US with some players returning home while others are on holiday in the US and the UK. The players are currently trying to bounce back from the defeat of the reigning T20 World Cup winners in the last two weeks, when they were eliminated from the group stage of the T20 World Cup.
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