It’s an Honour to Play for Pakistan: Haris Rauf

ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (APP): Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf who was very excited for his ODI debut against Zimbabwe on Friday said it was an honour to play for your country.

“I’m very excited about my debut. Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi was my home ground as my home is just next to it. It is a very big opportunity for me”, he said in a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) video.

Haris said he started with Pakistan Super League (PSL) team Lahore Qalandars and lauded the Qalandars’ director of cricket, Aqib Javed, for supporting him.

“Pakistan’s bowling coach Waqar Younis is also working on me and making me learn new things. In England he made me practice and how to control the new ball. He taught me how to bowl with consistency”, he said.

Haris asked the fans to support him and the Pakistan team from home as they are unable to come to the stadium due to the COVID19 pandemic. Haris also received the debut cap from Waqar ahead of Pakistan’s 1st ODI against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi on Friday. Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars was also excited on ODI debut of Haris.

“Its a proud moment for Qalandars family to see Haris making ODI debut. From appearing in trials for PDP to become a global superstar, his journey with Qalandars is an example”, said Sameen Rana, the COO of Lahore Qalandars in a statement. “His success shows what a player can achieve if a proper pathway is provided to him,” he said.

It is worth mentioning that Haris was first picked by Qalandars during PDP trials in Gujranwala in 2017 after he impressed everyone with his pace. He was quickly signed by the franchise and sent to Australia for further training and playing opportunities.

“We have made it our mission to create our own superstars and Haris is one of them; we are proud of him,” he said. Qalandars’ director of cricket, Aqib Javed praised Haris for his hard, along with contribution by Qalandars, for the growth of the fast bowler.

“As a franchise, we provide you with the opportunity, we provide you pathway and give you the support you want but when you are in the middle, the only thing you have with you is your hard work and performance”, Aqib said. “While we provided him with the opportunity and the pathway, it was him who responded to it positively and worked hard. His success is a testament to our player development program”, he said.

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