Asia Cup 2025: Haris Rauf Breaks Silence On India-Pakistan Handshake Row

Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign against the UAE was marred by distractions before the first ball was bowled. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had raised strong objections to match referee Andy Pycroft, who was already under the spotlight due to the “handshake row” involving India.

The PCB’s push to have him replaced created an administrative standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC). This dispute caused a delay of nearly an hour before the start of play, leaving many to wonder if it would affect Pakistan’s focus on the field.

Despite the noise around them, the Men in Green managed to pull off a 41-run victory, securing their spot in the Super Four. However, the drama highlighted how off-field controversies continue to cloud Pakistan’s major tournaments.

Haris Rauf Clears the Air

After the match, Pakistan’s pace spearhead Haris Rauf spoke openly about the situation and made it clear that the players had little control over what happened behind closed doors. He stressed that his responsibility was simply to perform on the ground. “This is not in my control … for me, I had to play the match,” Rauf said, brushing aside the notion that the issue had any bearing on the team’s performance. He described such matters as a “headache for the board,” reinforcing that the players remained focused on the job at hand.

Rauf also credited the team management for handling the scenario smoothly, ensuring the squad’s preparation and mindset stayed intact despite the delays. His comments underscored the growing maturity in Pakistan’s camp, where the players are learning to separate administrative disputes from cricketing responsibilities.

Concerns Over Batting and Future Outlook

While Pakistan celebrated their win, the match also exposed concerns about their batting depth. Aside from opener Fakhar Zaman, who managed a score above 30, no other player could settle in, and the team lost nine wickets while trying to post a competitive total. This fragility has raised questions about whether Pakistan can consistently challenge stronger opposition in the later stages of the tournament.

When asked about comparisons to the 2017 Champions Trophy-winning side, Rauf diplomatically shifted the focus back to the team’s leadership. He noted that selections and strategies are the responsibility of the coaches and captain, while players must focus on delivering when given chances.

His perspective highlights the current mindset in Pakistan cricket — one where players are encouraged to concentrate on execution rather than politics. As the Super Four begins, Pakistan will hope their bowling strength, combined with improved batting discipline, can keep their title hopes alive.