Rana Affirms Support for Shaheen and Haris After Setback

Lahore Qalandars Team Director Sameen Rana voiced his support on Tuesday for Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, acknowledging them as premier bowlers globally. This endorsement follows recent criticism directed at the pacers after a notable Pakistan Super League (PSL) match.

Shaheen and Haris, key bowlers for both the Qalandars and the national cricket team, faced scrutiny for their performance in the high-profile game against Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

During the match, the Kings were chasing a revised target of 168 runs in 15 overs and needed 48 runs from the last three overs, with Muhammad Irfan Khan at the crease.

Shaheen, the Qalandars’ captain, chose to bowl the 16th over, a move that proved costly as Irfan hit three sixes, resulting in 21 runs being conceded.

Subsequently, Rauf bowled the penultimate over when the Kings required 27 runs. He experienced a similar situation, conceding 20 runs and leaving only seven runs to defend in the final over.

At a press conference, Rana stood by the under-fire pacers, emphasizing that they were also feeling the disappointment of the loss.

“Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi represent Pakistan’s pride. They rank among the world’s finest bowlers. Fluctuations in performance are part of the game,” Rana stated.

He further commented, “I share a close bond with Shaheen and Haris Rauf and understand their mindset. Their disappointment exceeds mine, and they are eager to bounce back.”

Rana defended Shaheen and Haris, suggesting that other bowlers also bore responsibility for the defeat. He refuted claims that the absence of a third frontline pacer was the primary cause.

“It’s unfortunate we couldn’t defend the total, but attributing it solely to not fielding a third pacer is inaccurate,” Rana asserted.

“Even if Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf couldn’t hold the line, neither could the others.”