Pakistan’s Drama-Filled Asia Cup Win: Haris Rauf Praises PCB’s Handling Amid Boycott Threats and Tensions
In the heart of the ongoing T20 Asia Cup in Dubai, Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf stayed cool despite a whirlwind of off-field drama. From boycott threats over the ICC match referee to a delayed start against UAE and even a handshake snub from India, Rauf credits the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for managing it all smoothly.
The latest twist unfolded on Wednesday when Pakistan’s team refused to leave their Marina hotel for the crucial must-win match against UAE. This bold move stemmed from their push to remove match referee Andy Pycroft—a demand the ICC rejected outright. After getting the green light from management, the players finally reached the stadium, but the game kicked off an hour late.
Pakistan had already skipped the pre-match press conference on Tuesday and boycotted the post-match presentation after their earlier clash with India. Tensions boiled over in that India-Pakistan showdown, where Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube skipped the traditional handshakes with Pakistani players. They headed straight to the dugout instead, amid strained India-Pakistan relations following the tragic April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. That incident, linked to Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, claimed 26 tourist lives and deepened the rift between the two nations.
But on the field, Pakistan delivered a powerhouse performance. Their bowlers dominated UAE, securing a commanding 41-run victory. This win punches their ticket to the Super 4 stage and sets up another high-stakes India vs Pakistan clash on Sunday. Last week, India stunned Pakistan with a 7-wicket thrashing, making this rematch even more electric.
Speaking to reporters after the UAE game, Haris Rauf kept his focus sharp. "Honestly, I wasn’t feeling any pressure. Things were beyond my control, and it’s not my job to worry about them. My role is to play cricket, and that’s where I put all my energy," he said. Rauf praised the PCB, adding, "Our cricket board and management handled it well—that’s their responsibility."
As the Asia Cup heats up, fans can’t wait for the next India-Pakistan showdown. Will Pakistan bounce back, or will India keep the momentum? Stay tuned for more updates from the T20 Asia Cup in Dubai.
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