In a series of back-to-back setbacks for Lahore Qalandars, the team finds itself grappling with unfortunate news as their premier fast bowler, Haris Rauf, has been ruled out for the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024) due to a dislocated shoulder. This blow comes hot on the heels of an earlier setback when Rashid Khan, another key player, withdrew from the season, adding to the team’s woes.
The turn of events unfolded during a match against Karachi Kings, where Rauf sustained the injury while executing a stunning catch to dismiss Hasan Ali in the 20th over. Despite his outstanding performance, which included bowling the most economical four overs of the night, conceding only 22 runs and claiming one wicket, Rauf’s heroic efforts were marred by the unfortunate injury.
Lahore Qalandars, in a press release, confirmed Rauf’s unavailability for the remainder of the season, citing a recovery period of four to six weeks as advised by medical experts. The disheartening news adds to Lahore Qalandars’ woes as they currently languish at the bottom of the points table with four defeats in the tournament so far.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, expressing his sentiments on the setback, acknowledged Rauf’s absence as a significant blow to the team. Notably, Rauf has been struggling with form since 2023, a year that saw him becoming the most expensive bowler in the history of World Cups after conceding the most runs in the tournament held in India. His lackluster performance continued into PSL 2024, where he managed to secure only two wickets in four games.
The sight of Rauf leaving the stadium with an elastic bandage around his injured shoulder served as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by athletes in their pursuit of excellence. The narrow defeat against Karachi Kings by two wickets further compounded Lahore Qalandars’ disappointment, underscoring the uphill battle they face in Rauf’s absence.
With Rauf’s central contract terminated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently, his journey reflects a stark downfall from the heights of acclaim to the depths of adversity, leaving fans and teammates alike hoping for his swift recovery and eventual resurgence on the cricketing stage.
Also, see:
PSL 2024: Alex Hales flies back to England
