NEW DELHI:
Haris Rauf
's viral altercation with fan headlined social media on Tuesday as the Pakistan pacer almost came to blows with a man in the United States.
The viral video showed Rauf rushing across a hedge to confront the man after he allegedly abused to upset him, with Rauf's wife and one other man trying to hold him back.
After some pushing and shoving, Rauf went back across the hedge to the sidewalk where his wife had remained.
As the video spread like wildfire on the internet, former and current Pakistan players, as well as fans, stood united with Rauf.
The
Pakistan Cricket Board
has now also stepped into the matter, condemning the entire episode. The board has also threatened legal action against the fan.
"Strongly condemn the appalling incident involving Haris Rauf. Such actions against our players are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Those who are involved must immediately apologise to Haris Rauf, failing which we will pursue legal action against the individual responsible," said
PCB
chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Even Rauf's wife attempted to stop him, but the pacer managed to get out of her hold. The fan and Rauf yelled at each other a few times but the onlookers did well to keep them from hitting each other.
After the heated exchange, Rauf took to social media saying that he "will not hesitate to respond" if his family is dragged into a matter.
“As public figures, we are open to receiving all kinds of feedback from the public,” Rauf wrote on X, formerly Twitter, after the video emerged on social media. “They are entitled to support or criticize us. Nevertheless, when it comes to my parent and my family, I will not hesitate to respond accordingly. It is important to show respect towards people and their families, irrespective of their professions.”
Pakistan regained some pride by winning their last group match against Ireland, but their fate was sealed before that, once the game between USA and Ireland was abandoned because of rain.
English (US) ·