Big blow to Pakistan ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025- Key Player is out.

    File: Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam along with other players.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025

 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just about to start and teams have already finalized their squads for the mega event. The team's preparations are in full swing and many teams have already shaped up their playing 11 while assessing the conditions they will have to face.

This time ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan across 3 venues however, Team India will not Travel to Pakistan due to Political reasons and they will play their matches at Dubai International Stadium.

The ICC Champions Trophy is starting from 19th February 2025. The Host Pakistan will face Black Caps in the curtain raiser at National Stadium Karachi.

Over view

The Tri-nation Series between Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa is in progress for the preparation of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 1st ODI match of the Tri-Nation series was played between Pakistan and New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on 8th February 2025. The New Zealand team won the match at the end. 

Harris Rauf Injury

But during the match, another problem added to The Pakistan Team's problems when their Premium Fast bowler Harris Rauf could not complete his 7th over and left the field in the 37th over of the New Zealand Innings due to muscle strain. Harris Rauf was bowling really well and Earlier he had removed New Zealand Wicketkeeper batter, Tom Latham.

    Photo: Harris Rauf-Credits ICC

However, later Team management and the Pakistan Captain said "It is just a muscle strain and he will be ok within a few days. Later Pakistan CrickeBoardrd issued a statement regarding Harris Rauf. 

" Harris Rauf felt a sharp pain in his chest and lower abdomen, As a precaution, he left the field as the ICC Champions Trophy is just around the corner so we can't take risks with any front-line player. Initial assessment indicates that there is a low-grade side strain, He is receiving treatment and we will decide on his return after further assessment.

Impact on the Pakistan Team

This development has left Pakistan team management in a further spot of bother as they are already struggling to find their best 11 and The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just around the corner.

Now the News has been broken keeping in mind the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Pakistan team management has decided to replace Harris Rauf in the ongoing Tri angular series to provide him best treatment and quick recovery.

Will Harris Rauf play in The ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

It is learned that Harris Rauf's Injury is not looking so serious and he is expected to be fully fit before the Start of The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but due to the mega event just around the corner, it is a wise decision from PCB not to take any risk on fast bowler as he is their regular member in white ball. So, they cannot afford his loss after Saim Ayub who is already sidelined due to an ankle injury.

Replacement of Harris Rauf

Further updates say that Pakistan team management is already looking for players who can replace Harris Rauf in the ongoing Tri-nation series next matches.  Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Akif Javed are the few names who are under consideration for the replacement of Harris Rauf, But the latter is leading the race due to his top form in BPL and domestic cricket.

Harris Rauf Stats in White Ball?

It is important to mention here that Harris Rauf has been a regular member of The Pakistan team in white ball cricket since 2022. He has already been announced in the Pakistan squad that will participate in the Champions Trophy 2025 starting from 19th Feb 2025. He has played 46 matches for Pakistan and got 83 wickets with an impressive average of 25.11 in ODI, In T20 Harris Rauf has represented Pakistan in 79 matches and got 110 wickets with an impressive average of 21.28. So, the Pakistan team will be definitely looking for a quick recovery of their speed star before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

    Photo: Harris Rauf and Martin Guptill- Credits ICC

What's next for Pakistan Team

The Pakistan Team will face South Africa in the next game at The National Stadium Karachi on 12th February 2025. They are already down after losing 1st game. So, they will be looking to make a strong comeback as that match would be semi-final for both teams. New Zealand have already secured their spot in the Tri-nation series Final after beating South Africa by 6 wickets on 10 February 2025.

    Photo: Lungi Nigidi, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Babar Azam, and other players-Credits TOI and ICC

We hope for the speedy recovery of Harris Rauf and we will keep updating you about Harris Rauf's injury as soon as there is any further update. So, what do you think Who will win The ICC Champions Trophy 2025? How much Impadid ct Harris Rauf leave on Team Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 202? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Now Let's answer some frequently asked questions.

• Why isn't Harris Rauf playing?

Pakistan pacer Harris is diagnosed with a muscle sprain in the lower chest and abdomen. The injury is not quite serious and he is expected to be fully fit before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As a precaution, he will not take any part further in The ongoing Tri-Nation series between Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand.

• How did Harris Rauf get injured?

Earlier Pakistan Cricket Board issued a statement regarding Harris Rauf saying, "Harris Rauf felt a sharp pain in his chest and lower abdomen, As a precaution he left the field as the ICC Champions Trophy is just around the corner and We can't take a risk with our any front line player. Initial assessment indicates that there is a low-grade side strain, He is receiving treatment and we will decide on his return after further assessment".

• Who is hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

Pakistan is the official host of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, Team India will not travel to Pakistan and they will play their matches at Dubai International Stadium.

• Where is the tri-series in Pakistan 2025?

The Tri Nation series is across 2 venues Lahore and Karachi. Group stage 1st and 2nd matches will be at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on 8 and 10 February20, whereas the 3rd match and the Final will be played at National Stadium Karachi on 12 and 14 February 2025.

• What is the Tri-Series?

The tri-nation series is an event including 3 Teams Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa. It is taking place in Pakistan. The Pakistan team will face South Africa on 12 February to decide who will play the final against New Zealand on 14 February 2025.