Haris Rauf sparks controversy with 'Indian hoga' remark in viral encounter with Pakistani fan

Pakistan, who had one of their worst T20 World Cup seasons and failed to progress to the Super 8s in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, saw their players receive significant backlash. While most of it was online, fast bowler Haris Rauf was involved in a verbal altercation with a man in Florida while strolling with his wife.

ALSO READ | No 'qudrat ka nizam': India fans troll Pakistan cricket team as arch-rival knocked out from T20 World Cup 2024

Rauf became visibly agitated by something the man said, prompting him to move aggressively towards him. Several bystanders intervened to prevent a physical altercation, including Rauf's wife, who attempted to restrain him unsuccessfully. Amidst the heated exchange of words, Rauf referred to the man as "Indian hoga (he must be Indian)." This remark did not sit well with fans from across the border, especially after the man responded by saying, "Pakistani hoon (I am Pakistani)."

Rauf took to social media to explain the situation, but his comments ended up aggravating the issue further. Many under the post were unhappy for he approached things.

Pakistan players faced harsh criticism following their early exit from the T20 World Cup group stage, which worsened after defeats to arch-rivals India and associate nation USA, playing in their first major tournament. They got victories against Canada and Ireland, but it did not make much difference.

ALSO READ | T20 World Cup 2024: Rain decides fate of Pakistan as team is eliminated, USA make it to Super 8s

Against this backdrop, Pakistan captain Babar Azam and five other players—Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Azam Khan—have decided not to return to their country immediately, which has just added more fuel to the fire. These players have planned to spend their holidays in London with friends and family. Consequently, these six players will not join the rest of the squad landing in Pakistan on Tuesday.

Pakistan Squad for the T20 World Cup: Babar Azam(c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed.

Enjoy 35+ OTTs like ZEE5, LionsgatePlay, Ullu, SunNXT, SonyLIV, Fancode and 250+ Live TV channels at just ₹99