Haris Rauf Injury Update: PCB Provides Official Medical Report

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is fast approaching, and every team is hoping their key players stay fit. Those dealing with injuries are racing against time to recover, and Pakistan is no exception. They recently had a big scare when Haris Rauf got injured during the first match of the Tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand in Lahore on February 8. After taking one wicket for 23 runs, he had to leave the field early and didn’t come out to bat in Pakistan’s 78-run loss to the Black Caps.

Haris Rauf had to leave the field after bowling just 6.2 overs due to a muscle sprain, which raises concern over his fitness for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament will start on February 19 at the National Stadium in Karachi with Pakistan playing New Zealand in the opening match.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has cleared the air about Haris Rauf’s injury, confirming that he will not miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. According to sources, he is reported to have sustained a muscle sprain in the lower chest wall, though the seriousness of this is less. The PCB also confirmed that he will recover for the tournament. However, as a precaution, he has been rested for Pakistan’s second match in the ongoing tri-nation ODI series against South Africa on February 12.

Haris Rauf’s Injury Not Serious, Set to Return for Champions Trophy 2025

“Following MRI and X-ray scans, it has been confirmed that Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during Saturday’s match against New Zealand. The injury is not serious, and he is expected to be fully recovered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which commences in Karachi on 19 February. However, as a precautionary measure and part of his ongoing rehabilitation, he will not be available for selection against South Africa on 12 February." PCB said in a press release.

PCB Faces Backlash Over Rachin Ravindra’s Injury in Lahore

The PCB recently faced criticism after New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra suffered a serious injury during the first ODI of the tri-series in Lahore due to poor lighting. He received a cut on his forehead, started bleeding, and had to come off the field straight away.

Pakistan will also add left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem to the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, adding another quality spinner along with Abrar Ahmed. He had played his first ODI in December 2024 against South Africa, where he played well. Despite reports earlier saying Pakistan would look only at Abrar, now it is confirmed that Muqeem will also be a part of the final squad, thereby adding more diversity to the bowling lineup for the tournament.