NEW DELHI: Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has lamented the "unforgiving" nature of international cricket where, he says, "humans are expected to perform like robots." His remarks came as a response to criticism over his recent underwhelming performances, including the Asia Cup final against India.
Haris produced a match-winning spell on Tuesday, taking four wickets, including a burst of three scalps, to lead Pakistan to a narrow six-run win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI.
The fast bowler had recently served a two-match suspension during the previous series against South Africa for offensive gestures in the Asia Cup games against India that were deemed to have "brought the game into disrepute" in September.
“Humaray liye koi maafi nahi hoti (there is no forgiveness for us). We are expected to perform like robots but we are human beings and we can have bad days,” Haris said at the post-match press conference when asked about his struggles in big matches like the Asia Cup final against India.
Haris, who conceded 50 runs in 3.4 overs to finish as the most expensive bowler in that final, admitted that plans do not always work out.
“The main thing is you don’t give up. You don’t die from a bad day. We just keep belief in our skills and work on rectifying mistakes, but as a professional cricketer, any bowler can have a bad day,” he added.
On fans’ criticism, Haris urged understanding, saying players always give their best, even when results don’t go their way.
“No player likes to be criticised. Yes, everyone has his opinion, but like I said, for us, there is no forgiveness. You might have 10 good matches and one bad game, and everyone will remember the bad game,” he rued.
The pacer also expressed his desire to feature in Test cricket for Pakistan.
“I want to play Tests also for Pakistan. I am ready whenever the selectors or the Board want me for Tests, but my only point is to inform us in advance so that we can prepare for red-ball cricket where you have to bowl a lot of overs in a day,” Haris concluded.
(With PTI Inputs)
