'Criticism of Pakistan team has become a norm,' says Haris Rauf

Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf has expressed his views on the constant criticism faced by the national cricket team, stating that people seem to be waiting for the team to lose so they can start criticizing.  

Speaking after Pakistan’s defeat to New Zealand in the second T20I in Dunedin, Rauf said, "Everyone has their own opinion, and they are free to express it, but criticism has become a routine in Pakistan cricket."  

The fast bowler emphasized the importance of giving young players a proper opportunity, explaining that in international cricket, young cricketers are usually given 10 to 15 matches to prove themselves before they can develop into top players.  

"We are fully supporting both senior and junior players and are working on building a strong team," he added.  

Rauf acknowledged that all players worked hard, but in high-scoring grounds like Dunedin, success in T20 cricket depends on which team plays better on the day.  

He admitted that New Zealand played good cricket, while Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to execute their plans.

"Some of the shots played by New Zealand’s batters were unfortunate for our bowlers. Even top edges were going for sixes," he said.  

Explaining further, he pointed out that due to windy conditions and small boundaries, certain deliveries that should have resulted in catches ended up as sixes instead.

"Our bowling unit was trying its best, but the results didn’t go in our favor," he added.  

Addressing the notion that Pakistani fast bowlers struggle on Asian pitches, Rauf dismissed it as incorrect.

"Fast bowlers from all over the world face difficulties when they play in Asia," he said.  

He also revealed that when international fast bowlers visit Pakistan, they often ask local pacers for advice on how to bowl in such conditions.

"We tell them to just keep trying," he concluded.