Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammad Amir raises doubts over Haris Rauf availability for Pakistan

Haris Rauf had sustained strain to his muscle in the lower chest during the first ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand in the Tri-nation ODI series

Former Pakistan pace spearhead Mohammad Amir raised doubts over whether Pakistan would be able to field Haris Rauf for the upcoming Champions Trophy, saying that the true nature of his injury would mean a longer recovery and rehabilitation period than expected.

Rauf had sustained strain to his muscle in the lower chest during the first ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand in the Tri-nation ODI series. He was then rested as a precaution by the Pakistan Cricket Board and not played throughout the series.

“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,” read a PCB statement.

But Amir has said that if the injury is a side-strain, then the recovery time could be as long as six weeks, followed by rehab. That timeline would mean that Rauf could likely miss out on playing for Pakistan, and add to the growing list of pace bowlers who are going to miss out on the Champions Trophy, joining the likes of India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Australia’s Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.