Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf was involved in a heated altercation with a fan following the team’s group-stage exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. Rauf, an essential part of the Pakistan squad, was seen on camera approaching a fan aggressively. The fan, apparently shouting abuses at Rauf, provoked him to ask if he was from India, to which the fan replied that he was from Pakistan.
The conflict seemed to stem from the fan’s request for a photo with Rauf, who was accompanied by his wife at the time. The fast bowler’s irritation likely escalated due to the nature of the request. The viral video does not clearly show how the altercation between Rauf and the fan intensified.
Pakistan had a dismal performance in the T20 World Cup, being eliminated in the group stages after defeats by the USA and India. This marked the first time in a decade that Pakistan failed to advance beyond the group stage of a T20 World Cup.
Since their exit, the team has been under significant scrutiny, with fans and experts calling for major changes, including the sacking of many players. Babar Azam has been a central figure of criticism and is expected to be summoned by the PCB upon his return to Pakistan. Babar was previously removed from the captaincy following Pakistan’s exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup but was reinstated in March after the PCB decided to replace Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain.
Fans must behave, players are with families and have a personal life too. Abusing and chanting isn't the way! Disgusting behavior 👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) June 18, 2024
Haris Rauf was furious, this isn't good 👀 #T20WorldCuppic.twitter.com/tc9EhcW3j1
“Ever since Babar became captain, we have been losing to mediocre teams,” Ahmad Shehzad criticized on a TV show following Pakistan’s exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. “Given the trend of our progress, these outcomes were inevitable,” he added. The Pakistan team remains in New York and is expected to return to Pakistan shortly.
