Webdesk: Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season after picking up a hamstring injury.
His MLC franchise, Unicorns San Francisco rattled the news and expressed concern to his fans and team management over his recovery before the international assignments of Pakistan.
We're with you, Haris 🧡
— San Francisco Unicorns (@SFOUnicorns) July 6, 2025
The San Francisco Unicorns can confirm Haris Rauf will miss the remainder of #MLC2025 with a hamstring injury, with New Zealand pace bowler Ben Lister to replace him, effective immediately.
Read more – https://t.co/NGT3IHskij#GoCorns pic.twitter.com/Xdct1iOSCb
According to the team, Rauf suffered the injury during the tournament and won’t be available for the remaining matches. To cover his absence, New Zealand pacer Ben Lister has been called in as a replacement.
Rauf had been in outstanding form, leading the tournament’s wicket charts with 17 wickets in just eight games.
His fiery pace and consistent performances had been central to the Unicorns’ campaign, and his injury is a big setback for the side as they head into the crucial final phase of the league.
Although Lister brings useful experience and ability to the squad, the team will miss the impact and energy Rauf brings to the bowling attack.
The injury has also raised questions about Rauf’s availability for Pakistan’s upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh.
The national team is scheduled to begin training in Karachi on 8 July, with the squad expected to fly to Bangladesh on 16 July.
The first match of the three-game series is planned for 20 July.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will keep a close watch on Rauf’s condition, with hopes that he recovers in time for the important assignments ahead. With the T20 World Cup approaching, keeping key players like Rauf fit and ready has become a major priority for the team.
What is Major League Cricket (MLC)
Major League Cricket (MLC) is a professional Twenty20 (T20) cricket league based in the United States (US).
Following the global success of leagues like the BBL (Big Bash League), and PSL (Pakistan Super League), it was introduced in 2023 and is regarded as the first significant attempt to introduce elite franchise cricket to the US.
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