Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram voiced his frustration over the team’s loss in the Asia Cup final, taking sharp aim at fast bowler Haris Rauf. He labeled Rauf a “run machine” in bowling, especially after the pacer’s tough outing against India.
India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title on Sunday, beating rivals Pakistan by five wickets in Colombo. It marked India’s third win over Pakistan in the tournament, with Rauf drawing heavy criticism once again.
In the final, Rauf leaked 50 runs in just 3.5 overs, including the decisive boundary from Rinku Singh that sealed India’s chase of 149. Rauf had already been in the spotlight for some on-field gestures during the match.
Speaking to broadcasters Sony Sports right after the game, Akram didn’t mince words about Rauf’s ongoing issues against India. “He’s unfortunately a run machine as a bowler, and especially against India,” Akram said. “I’m not criticizing him—the whole country’s doing that. But he doesn’t play red-ball cricket, so he’s not going to improve.”
Akram pointed out that skipping first-class and Test cricket hurts Rauf’s skills under pressure. “If he’s not going to play, you don’t want a player in your team who refuses red-ball cricket,” he added. “At least play four or five first-class games to build that temperament and control.”
He also flagged Rauf’s bowling mechanics, like his run-up, which hasn’t improved in years. Akram shared a chat with former teammate Waqar Younis: “I asked him, how come he hasn’t fixed the run-up in the last four or five years? Waqar said it’s because he doesn’t play red-ball cricket.” Akram urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to rethink relying on such players.
On the Indian side, Tilak Varma starred with an unbeaten 69 off 49 balls, steering the team home amid high stakes in the India vs Pakistan clash. His calm knock helped India overcome early wobbles and lift the Asia Cup trophy.
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