Former Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram criticized pacer Haris Rauf’s performance in the Asia Cup final against India, particularly highlighting his expensive bowling spell where he conceded 50 runs in just 3.8 overs during India’s successful chase to clinch their ninth title in Dubai on Sunday.Rauf’s bowling struggles were evident as he was targeted heavily by the Indian batsmen, ultimately giving up the winning runs to Rinku Singh in the final.Speaking on Sony Sports after the match, Akram delivered a sharp assessment of Rauf’s recurring difficulties against India.“He’s unfortunately a run machine as a bowler, and especially against India. I’m not criticizing him. The whole country’s criticizing him, and he doesn’t play red-ball cricket. He’s not going to improve. If he’s not going to play, you don’t want a player in your team who refuses to play red-ball cricket. At least play four or five first-class games,” Akram stated.
Akram emphasized that Rauf’s lack of red-ball cricket experience has affected his ability to perform under pressure.“The control is not there because he doesn’t play red-ball cricket. PCB has to sit down and think, if you’re not playing red-ball cricket, thank you very much,” Akram remarked.The former Pakistani bowler also discussed Rauf’s technical issues with fellow cricket legend Waqar Younis.“You want to improve your length, and his run-up-he’s not the smoothest. I was talking to Waqar (Younis), and I asked, how come he hasn’t fixed the run-up in the last four or five years since he’s been playing? He said he doesn’t play red-ball cricket,” Akram added.India secured their victory in the final with Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69, leading the team to a five-wicket win over Pakistan and their ninth Asia Cup title.
