Haris Rauf’s Injury To Keep Him Out ICC Champions Trophy 2025? PCB Gives Update

Haris Rauf’s injury during the first match of the tri-nation ODI series between Pakistan and New Zealand hurt the Pakistan team just before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Haris Rauf had to retire early after capturing one wicket and allowing only 23 runs, and he did not bat in Pakistan's 78-run defeat to the Black Caps.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is quickly approaching, and all of the competing countries are hoping that their great players stay well and that anyone who has been injured will be able to recover before the tournament begins, including Pakistan.

Haris Rauf nearly gave them a shock after an injury sustained during the ongoing Tri-nation ODI series opener between Pakistan and New Zealand in Lahore on February 8.

Haris Rauf suffers a muscle sprain

Haris Rauf was forced to leave the field after bowling just 6.2 overs owing to a muscular strain, raising doubts over his availability for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which begins on February 19 at the National Stadium in Karachi with a match between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Amidst the suspicion and concerns, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a major update on Haris Rauf. The PCB dismissed fears about Rauf missing the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. PCB discovered that Rauf sustained a muscle injury in his lower chest wall, which was not as serious as initially suspected.

Haris Rauf injury update by PCB

The Pakistan Cricket Board also informed that Rauf is likely to be fully healthy by the commencement of the coveted competition. However, Rauf has been rested for Pakistan's second match in the ongoing tri-nation ODI series against South Africa on February 12.

“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 stated.

Sufiyan Muqeem set to join the squad

Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem is slated to join Pakistan's side for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Muqeem is expected to join Abrar Ahmed as part of Pakistan's spin attack in the multi-nation competition.

Sufiyan Muqeem, who made an impressive ODI debut against South Africa in December 2024, is expected to be nominated to the national squad for the next Champions Trophy 2025, despite reports that the Men in Green will rely only on Abrar Ahmed.

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