On Sunday, September 28, India completed their hat-trick of wins against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. The Men in Blue won the final by 5 wickets at Dubai.
The build-up to the final was no short of drama, with Haris Rauf's instigating a controversy with the 6-0 gesture towards the Indian fans that landed him in trouble at the ICC official hearing.
Following the final, the bowler once again finds himself under the scanner of the former Pakistan bowler and captain Waqar Younis, who had some sharp criticism towards the player.
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Here's what Akram had to say.
Wasim Akram criticizes Haris Rauf for another loss against India
During the post-match analysis with Sony Sports Network alongside Ravi Shastri, Akram called out the bowler for his inconsistency whenever he faces India in the multi-national events.
Previously, Rauf has also been attacked by Virat Kohli in the famous 82* knock at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in a heroic run-chase.
As India chased down 147 runs on the night, Rauf finished as Pakistan's most expensive bowler with 0/50 in 3.4 overs — with 10 runs required in the final over, he conceded a six to Tilak Varma, which sealed the match for India.
"He is a run machine against India. I don't mean any disrespect, but he doesn’t play red ball cricket and that is why he can’t improve," said Akram.
"His run-up is not the smoothest -- I was speaking to Waqar and he reiterated that not playing red ball cricket is the reason," he added.
Further in the discussion, Ravi Shastri pointed out his questionable lines and lengths under pressure situations and felt the bowler bowls his worst deliveries in the most crucial situations, which was reiterated by the Pakistan legend.
"Don’t allow them to play league cricket. Any contracted player who wants a monthly salary needs to play a certain amount of FC cricket," Akram concluded.
How has Haris Rauf performed against India?
In his 7 T20I appearances against India, Rauf has conceded at a rate of 8.66 and has picked 9 wickets at an average of 25.66.
On the other hand, he has picked 3 wickets in 4 ODIs at an average of 60 against India.
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| Format | Matches | Wickets | Avg/SR | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 7 | 9 | 25.66/17.7 | 8.66 | 3/21 |
| ODIs | 4 | 3 | 60.00/54.0 | 6.66 | 3/58 |
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