Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has distanced himself from the on-field drama that unfolded at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium before the start of the match against the UAE, stating that the players were focused on the job at hand.
There was uncertainty over whether the match would go ahead, due to the late arrival of the Pakistan team at the ground. Senior officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) held a meeting in Lahore to decide the fate of the team amid rumours that the former Asia Cup champions might pull out of the tournament. However, the match eventually went ahead — albeit with a delayed start — following the PCB’s green signal.
“I wasn’t feeling any pressure,” said Rauf, who was playing his first match of the tournament. “Things are not in my hands; it was up to the Board. We wanted to play, and our focus was entirely on the game.”
Having trained on the eve of the match at the ICC Academy, Rauf and his teammates were well prepared for their final Group A fixture.
“Our management has handled all the issues very well. As players, our job is to perform on the field, and we were fully committed to that,” he added.
Against the UAE, Pakistan made a poor start but eventually secured a comprehensive victory by a margin of 41 runs. Rauf contributed with 2 wickets in his 2.4-over spell. With this win, Pakistan qualified for the Super 4s. In their next match, a repeat clash, they will take on India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 21 September.
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