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'What a disgrace': Cricket world rages over 'shameful' incident

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read
Haris Rauf, pictured here appearing to slap Kamran Ghulam after he dropped a catch off his bowling.
Haris Rauf appeared to slap Kamran Ghulam after he dropped a catch off his bowling. Image: PSL

The cricket world reacted with shock and condemnation on Wednesday when Pakistan bowler Haris Rauf appeared to slap a teammate for dropping a catch in a T20 match.

Rauf was in action for Lahore Qalandars against the Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League when Kamran Ghulam dropped a catch off his bowling.

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Ghulam put down a regulation catch to give Hazratullah Zazai a lifeline when the opener was on just six.

Ghulam could be seen smiling after the drop, while Rauf was absolutely seething.

Moments later when Rauf claimed the wicket of Mohammad Haris, the fiery paceman could be seen high-fiving teammates before angrily shoving Ghulam in the face.

Teammates had to calm Rauf down as Ghulam looked on in disbelief.

Fans and commentators were also shocked by the ugly scenes, taking to social media to condemn Rauf.

Rauf was later seen hugging Ghulam after the latter affected a direct-hit runout, appearing to apologise for his actions.

The former Melbourne Stars bowler got off with a reprimand from officials, despite many calling for him to be more severely punished.

Haris Rauf, pictured here fuming after his teammate dropped a catch in the PSL.
Haris Rauf was fuming after his teammate dropped a catch. Image: PSL

Haris Rauf in Pakistan squad to face Australia

Meanwhile, Pakistan have named Rauf in their 16-man squad for next month's three-Test home series against Australia, while recalling opening batter Shan Masood.

Rauf, who was also in the squad for the Tests against South Africa and Zimbabwe last year, has yet to play in the longest format and replaced off-spinner Bilal Asif from the group who won 2-0 in Bangladesh at the end of 2021.

He has played both 50-overs and Twenty20 internationals, while also turning his arm over for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League.

Masood played the last of his 25 Tests against New Zealand at the beginning of 2021 and came into the squad for Abid Ali, who is recuperating after surgery for a heart condition.

Haris Rauf, pictured here in action for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League.
Haris Rauf in action for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)

"We have opted for consistency for the important home series against Australia and changes have only been made where absolutely necessary," Pakistan Cricket Board selection committee chief Muhammad Wasim said in a statement.

"This is to give the boys confidence, reward them for their impressive performances in the longer version of the game in 2021 and continue to build the side for the future."

The PCB also announced former off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq and retired Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait would continue as the team's head coach and fast bowling mentor respectively for another 12 months.

Mohammad Yousuf will continue as batting coach for the Australia series, the board added.

Australia will play in Pakistan for the first time in almost 25 years with the opening Test scheduled to begin in Rawalpindi from March 4. Karachi will host the second Test from March 12 with the final Test to be played from March 21 in Lahore.

The sides will also play three 50-over internationals and one Twenty20 match.

with AAP

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