Pakistan star Haris Rauf has been involved in a heated incident with a group of fans while on tour for the T20 World Cup in the United States.
The 30-year-old, who performed well in the group stages at the tournament, was walking down the street when he became embroiled in an altercation.
Rauf took exception to comments made by Pakistani supporters and walked up to them, before swiftly being ushered away.
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Taking to social media, Rauf explained the situation and urged fans to respect players.
“Now that the video is out, I feel it is necessary to address the situation,” he said via X.
“As public figures, we are open to receiving all kinds of feedback from the public. They are entitled to support or criticise us.
“Nevertheless, when it comes to my parent and my family, I will not hesitate to respond accordingly. It is important to show respect towards people and their families, irrespective of their professions.”
https://twitter.com/HarisRauf14/status/1803025969902424204?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The PCB is reportedly weighing up pursuing legal action against the men involved.
“Such actions against our players are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated … those who are involved must immediately apologise to Haris Rauf, failing which we will pursue legal action against the individual responsible,” chairman Mohsin Naqvi said.
Rauf has received plenty of support from his Pakistani teammates, with fellow fast-bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi describing the incident as “absolutely disgraceful”.
https://twitter.com/iShaheenAfridi/status/1803099962542034975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfwhttps://twitter.com/iMRizwanPak/status/1803117598013378795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The right-arm seamer took seven wickets in four games at the tournament, but it wasn’t enough for Pakistan to secure a spot in the Super Eight stage, with their unexpected early loss against the United States knocking them out of the World Cup.
Rauf has spent plenty of time in Australia in recent years, featuring for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash competition for the past five seasons.