A viral video has captured the moment Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf engaged in a heated altercation with a fan during his time in the United States. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and support from both current and former cricket players rallying around Rauf. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his strong disapproval and issued a stern warning of potential legal action against the individual responsible.
“Strongly condemn the appalling incident involving Haris Rauf. Such actions against our players are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Those who are involved must immediately apologise to Haris Rauf, failing which we will pursue legal action against the individual responsible,” Naqvi's statement on X asserted.
The altercation occurred in broad daylight while Rauf was walking with his wife, prompting him to confront the man involved who reportedly made disparaging remarks. Witnesses intervened to prevent the situation from escalating into physical confrontation, despite Rauf's initial attempt to approach the individual.
“It is the right of fans to criticise us for our performances. We accept it and try to learn from it. It is not OKAY to attack anyone personally in their family’s presence, unacceptable. How would u feel if someone attacked u personally while with family? #HarisRauf @HarisRauf14,” read a tweet by Shadab Khan on X.
Support for the 30-year-old bowler poured in from fellow cricketers who emphasized the importance of respectful behavior towards players and their families. Shadab Khan tweeted on X, "While fans have every right to critique our performances, personal attacks especially in the presence of family are unacceptable. How would you feel if someone attacked you personally while with your family? #HarisRauf @HarisRauf14"
Teammate Hasan Ali echoed these sentiments, urging fans to maintain constructive criticism without crossing personal boundaries. “I’ve seen a video circulating online about Harry @HarisRauf and I urge all my dearest cricket fans to remember that criticism can be constructive without being hurtful. Let’s keep the debate respectful and considerate of the players’ families. Let’s promote love, peace and respect for the GAME. We all want Pakistan cricket to rise, love you all,” Hasan Ali wrote on ‘X’.
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