Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammed Rizwan strongly condemned the behaviour of US fans after Haris Rauf alleged personal abuse during a heated argument on Tuesday. Rizwan was one of a number of Pakistani cricketers who took to social media to slam the apparently indisciplined behaviour of fans.
A video of Haris Rauf jumping over a footpath hedge to confront a fan wearing a Pakistan jersey went viral on social media after the fan apparently said something to upset the fast bowler, who was out walking in the city with his wife. Harris and the fan nearly got into a fistfight A group of men prevented the argument from escalating, and after some shoving, Rauf returned to the hedge on the sidewalk where his wife remained.
Haris Rauf took to social media later the same day to defend his actions, suggesting the fan in question had crossed a line by resorting to personal attacks.
“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 others, especially in front of their family members. This terrible behaviour must stop. Values like tolerance, respect and compassion are becoming increasingly rare,” Rizwan said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Notably, Haris Rauf asked the fan if he was Indian, to which the fan replied that he was Pakistani.
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Shahid Afridi, Shaheen support Haris Rauf
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi also defended Haris Rauf and said the fan’s behaviour was unacceptable.
“The Haris Rauf incident will never be tolerated! We must never lose respect or cross any line. Those spreading hatred should stop immediately,” he said.
Haris Rauf’s fellow pace bowler Shaheen Afridi also took to social media to slam the abuse.
“The way Haris Rauf was treated is an absolute disgrace. No one has the right to belittle or disrespect another person. I am also shocked at those who shared this video. Why put likes over humanity? Stay strong Haris. We stand united with you,” Shaheen said.
The Pakistan Cricket Board strongly condemned the incident and demanded an apology from the fans involved in the altercation.
Pakistan cricketers have been facing tough times since last week after Babar Azam’s team suffered an early exit from the T20 World Cup, failing to get past the group stage for the first time, an embarrassing result for the 2022 runners-up. Captain Babar has faced criticism over his leadership amid rumours of factions in the dressing room.
Pakistan lost to USA and India in their Group A matches in the Men’s T20 World Cup, with their only wins being against Ireland and Canada.
