Wasim Akram calls Haris Rauf a “run machine against India” after conceding half-century in 3.4 overs in Asia Cup final

India once again triumphed over their arch-rivals, clinching the Asia Cup 2025 final to secure their ninth championship title. While Pakistan legend Wasim Akram expressed satisfaction with parts of the team’s display, he did not hold back in his criticism of captaincy decisions and pacer Haris Rauf’s performance.

On the post-match show, Akram remarked, “A lot of mistakes made by the Pakistan captain. Bowling changes, Haris Rauf went for 15 runs. He is, unfortunately, a run machine, and especially against India. I am not criticising him, the whole country is. He does not play red ball cricket. He refused to be in the team, at least play four or five first-class games.”

His comments were reflective of the pacer’s struggles in the final. Rauf, entrusted by Salman Ali Agha to deliver the crucial 15th over when India needed 64 runs from six overs, failed to maintain pressure. Instead of focusing on containment, he went hunting for wickets and ended up conceding 17 runs, swinging momentum back in India’s favour.

Although he bowled tighter in the 18th over, a six off the last ball once again released the pressure, further denting Pakistan’s chances. These lapses contributed heavily to Pakistan’s narrow defeat on the big stage.

Akram further criticised Rauf’s limited focus on T20 cricket, highlighting that his withdrawal from Test cricket and preference for franchise leagues had stunted his ability to handle high-pressure moments. The former pacer stressed again that the lack of red-ball exposure had impacted his temperament. He even went on to suggest that Pakistan Cricket should include a clause in players’ contracts requiring participation in first-class cricket as a condition for T20I selection.