Pakistan get big Champions Trophy boost as star pacer cleared for opener: Reports-OxBig News Network

Pakistan has received a major boost ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 opening match as star pacer Haris Rauf is expected to be fit for the match, according to reports. Rauf sustained an injury during the opening match of the recently-concluded tri-series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa. Rauf bowled 6.2 overs during the match against New Zealand before being taken off the field.

The pacer missed the remainder of the series as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that he had sustained a muscular sprain in his lower chest wall. However, PCB had said that the pacer would be fit for the Champions Trophy. There were question marks raised on the fitness of Rauf, with Mohammad Amir wondering if he would be fit for the ICC event. Amir said that if it was a side strain, then Rauf would be out for 6 weeks.

“If Haris Rauf has a side strain, he cannot recover fully before six weeks. If it’s just stiffness, then that’s different,” said Amir. “If it is a grade one or two side strain, no matter what, it will take six weeks, and then the rehab starts,” said Amir, according to GeoSuper.tv.

Amir also said that PCB shouldn’t take a risk with Rauf and ruin his career.

‘Haris Rauf is okay now’

A source close to the Pakistan team confirmed to PTI on Sunday that Rauf will play the opening match of the tournament between Pakistan and New Zealand. The source said that pacer was able to recover well after being given rest for the remainder for the tri-series.

“Haris is okay now and the rest given to him after the first match of the Tri-Series has helped him recover well,” the source said, adding that Pakistan have no fitness issues with any other player.

Pakistan will be happy with the recent development as they missed the services of Rauf during the tri-series, which saw them get beaten by New Zealand in the end. Pakistan will be facing India on February 23, followed by their final group game against Bangladesh on February 27.