‘Why should I go and fight with Indians?’ – Star Pakistan pacer shuts down questions on ‘aggression’ against India ahead of ODI World Cup 2023

The Pakistan cricket team is all set to arrive in host country India for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, which will commence on October 5. Notably, the Men in Green will be facing the Netherlands on October 7 at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad to commence their journey. The Babar Azam-led side will be facing India on October 14 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the much-anticipated clash.

Meanwhile, Pakistan star pacer Haris Rauf has been named to the squad despite suffering injuries against India in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2023. The star bowler did not bowl on a reserve day against the Rohit Sharma side on September 11 in Colombo owing to the small niggle. Notably, ahead of the much-anticipated clash, he was asked about showing aggression against India in the upcoming marquee event.

However, the right-arm pacer replied that he was not going to fight, as cricket is the game, not a war. “Why should I go and fight with Indians? It is cricket and not war,” Haris Rauf said to journalist.

I have no specific goal set for the ODI World Cup 2023: Haris Rauf

Moreover, the great seamer has provided fresh updates on his injury ahead of the big tournament. The 29-year-old cricketer reveals that he is better than before. In addition, the Rawalpindi-born cricketer reveals that he has no specific goal for the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2023. The great cricketer says that for him, team performance matters the most as compared to individual performances, and he has full confidence in his team.

“Playing in any tournament for your country is a big deal. My fitness is better than before. We have confidence in ourselves as a team. The team management will decide whether to give me the new ball or the old ball. I have no specific goal set for the World Cup. More emphasis is on team performance than individual performance,” he added further.