Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf finally responds to the PCB-ICC handshake controversy

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In a campaign already defined by on-field turbulence, the Pakistan cricket team found themselves at the center of a storm of controversy during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.  With tensions escalating in the boardroom and the threat of a boycott looming, it was a moment of quiet clarity from fast bowler Haris Rauf that cut through the noise. Speaking at a press conference after the team’s decisive win against the UAE, Rauf offered a rare glimpse into the players’ mindset, revealing an unflappable focus that stood in stark contrast to the off-field chaos.

Amidst the swirling rumors and boardroom battles, Rauf adopted a professional and remarkably calm approach. During the post-match press conference after the UAE game, he made it clear that the off-field storm had no bearing on his mindset once he crossed the boundary rope. “I wasn’t feeling any pressure. This is not in my control. These are decisions for the board; it’s their headache,” Rauf stated with an air of complete detachment.

His comments highlighted the disciplined approach of a player dedicated to his craft. “For me, I had to play the match, my focus was on that. The management have handled things pretty well,” he added. Rauf’s commitment was evident in his performance, as he contributed to the team’s much-needed win with a two-wicket haul. With a high-stakes Super 4 showdown against defending champions India looming, Rauf’s philosophy of putting distractions aside will be crucial if Pakistan hopes to spark a turnaround in the tournament.

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The turmoil that surrounded the Pakistan-UAE fixture was a direct result of an unprecedented dispute that began after the team’s earlier loss to India. Following a ‘handshake controversy,’ the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged multiple official complaints with the ICC, demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. The situation grew increasingly tense as the ICC repeatedly rejected these requests, pushing the fixture to the brink of a delayed start.

The controversy turned into a diplomatic flashpoint, with the team facing the real prospect of a match boycott. It was only when Pycroft personally stepped in to clarify the matter with team management that the game was allowed to proceed. This entire episode put an immense amount of pressure on the squad, but according to Rauf, the players found a way to compartmentalize the chaos and focus on the task at hand.

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