Pakistani star pacer Haris Rauf has said that while he would be disappointed if he is left out of the T20 World Cup squad, it would not mark the end of his career.
“If I’m not included in the T20 World Cup squad, I will be disappointed, but my career won’t end,” Rauf said during an interview in Australia.
“I will continue to perform and work further on my bowling,” he said while also expressing his best wishes for the national cricket team ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Rauf has been in exceptional form during the Big Bash League, picking up 20 wickets in 11 matches while playing for Melbourne Stars. However, reports suggest that Pakistan coach Mike Hesson is not in favour of selecting him in the squad following the Asia Cup 2025 final against India.
Speaking about his role, Rauf emphasised that captains play a crucial role in extracting performances from players.
“The captain has a major role in building or breaking a player,” he said. “It depends on the captain how he uses his player’s abilities in the best possible way.”
Rauf revealed that Melbourne Stars captain Marcus Stoinis played an important role in his Big Bash career by giving him the freedom to attack.
“I was told in the Big Bash that I don’t need to bowl defensively,” Rauf said.
“Melbourne Stars management told me that the world’s best batters fear you. They told me not to worry about runs. I can also bowl easy, defensive bowling that stops runs, but people need to understand my role.”
The 31-year-old explained that his primary responsibility has always been to take wickets rather than contain runs.
“Whenever I have played for Pakistan, I have always given 100 percent effort,” he said.
“My role is always to take wickets, not stop runs. The most difficult role is bowling in the final overs, which is the role given to me. Bowling in death overs is not easy.”
Rauf said he has been performing consistently since the Asia Cup, dismissing suggestions that he is going through a difficult phase in his career.
“This is not a difficult time in my career. I have performed recently, but whether I perform or not, I am still being criticised,” he said.
He also addressed the treatment of players on social media and in public discourse.
“There is a difference between criticizing a player and being disrespectful to a player,” Rauf said, adding that some people cross the line.
On the differences between the Big Bash and Pakistan Super League (PSL), Rauf noted that while both are quality competitions, the BBL features more established international stars.
“The Big Bash is counted among the major leagues and big players compete in it, while the PSL is becoming a big league. After the auction, more big foreign players will come to Pakistan.”
Rauf also expressed his affection for Australian conditions, crediting them with helping shape his career.