Haris Rauf Out of MLC 2025, Doubtful for Bangladesh

Pakistan's fast bowling star Haris Rauf has been ruled out of the remainder of Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain, his team, the San Francisco Unicorns, confirmed on Sunday.

Rauf sustained the injury during a key match against the Texas Super Kings earlier this week. He walked off mid-game and did not return to the field. Following the game, an MRI confirmed a hamstring strain, ruling him out of the league’s playoff phase, which begins Tuesday, 8 July, in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Unicorns lose top pacer before playoffs

At the time of his injury, Haris Rauf was the top wicket-taker in MLC 2025, bagging 17 wickets in just 8 matches. His aggressive pace and ability to break partnerships were central to the San Francisco Unicorns’ playoff push.

To fill the gap, the franchise has signed Ben Lister, a New Zealand left-arm pacer with 12 T20I appearances. Lister has already begun training and is expected to play in their final league match against the LA Knight Riders on 6 July.

"Losing Haris is a blow, no doubt," said a team spokesperson. "He was leading the attack. But Ben Lister is match-ready and brings quality to the squad."

Pakistan team plans in limbo

More worryingly for Pakistan fans, Haris Rauf is now doubtful for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on 20 July.

Pakistan’s national squad is expected to start training in Karachi on 8 July, with departure to Dhaka on 16 July. According to sources inside the team management, Rauf is unlikely to recover in time.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not issued an official statement yet, but medical staff are closely monitoring his rehab.

“We’re keeping an eye on his recovery timeline,” said a source close to the board. “If there's no improvement this week, a replacement will be named.”

Setback for Pakistan’s pace plans

Haris Rauf’s absence would be a significant blow to Pakistan’s T20I plans. He had regained top form in MLC 2025, showcasing sharp pace and precision with the new ball and at the death.

"Rauf was shaping up perfectly for the Bangladesh tour," said former pacer Shoaib Akhtar in a post-match TV segment. "His injury means Pakistan lose a match-winner."

Pakistan's selectors now face pressure to rework their bowling strategy, with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah expected to lead the attack. Names like Zaman Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr. may now come into the reckoning.

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