San Francisco Unicorns confirm Haris Rauf’s tournament-ending injury; Ben Lister named replacement. Pakistan pacer also doubtful for upcoming T20I series in Bangladesh.
🚑 Grade 1 Hamstring Injury Ends Haris Rauf’s MLC Campaign
In a major blow to the San Francisco Unicorns and Pakistan cricket fans, star fast bowler Haris Rauf has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season after suffering a Grade 1 hamstring injury. The injury occurred during the Unicorns’ recent win over the Texas Super Kings.
The franchise announced the news on social media, stating:
“We’re with you, Haris. The San Francisco Unicorns can confirm Haris Rauf will miss the remainder of #MLC2025 with a hamstring injury, with New Zealand pace bowler Ben Lister to replace him, effective immediately.”
📈 Rauf’s Impact: Top Wicket-Taker in MLC 2025
Before the injury, Haris Rauf was in sensational form:
- Matches: 8
- Wickets: 17 (Most in MLC 2025)
- Economy Rate: 9.08
His explosive pace and wicket-taking ability were instrumental in the Unicorns’ strong season. Losing him at this stage is a massive setback for the side.
🏏 Ben Lister Joins as Replacement
With Rauf ruled out, the San Francisco Unicorns have drafted in Ben Lister from New Zealand. The left-arm pacer is known for his variations and death-over control and is expected to bolster the bowling attack in the remaining matches.
🇵🇰 Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh: Rauf Doubtful
Rauf’s injury also puts his availability in doubt for Pakistan’s upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, set to begin later this month.
📅 Tour Schedule:
- Arrival in Bangladesh: July 16
- 1st T20I: July 20 – Shere-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
- 2nd T20I: July 22
- 3rd T20I: July 24
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to comment on Rauf’s injury or confirm whether a replacement will be named for the Bangladesh series.
🌴 What’s Next for Pakistan?
Following the Bangladesh series, Pakistan is scheduled to tour the West Indies in August for a six-match white-ball series:
- 3 ODIs
- 3 T20Is
Rauf’s fitness will be closely monitored, as he remains a key figure in Pakistan’s bowling arsenal across formats.
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- Khalid Javed is known as Khalid Minhas is editor of Daily Olympic.He is a seasoned journalist and worked with different national and international media outlets.
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