DUBAI: Pakistan’s ace fast bowler Haris Rauf has been nominated for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Player of the Month award for November 2024.
Rauf’s nomination was driven by his brilliant display in October, most notably his match-winning five-wicket haul against Australia in the second ODI.
His figures of 5 for 29 in eight overs not only turned the game in Pakistan’s favour but also underscored his growing dominance as a premier fast bowler in world cricket.
Since making his international debut on October 30, 2020, Rauf has emerged as a formidable force, taking 77 wickets in 39 ODIs—the highest by any fast bowler from a full-member nation during this period.
Only Oman’s Bilal Khan, with 83 wickets, surpasses Rauf, though in the context of ICC Associate Member teams.
Rauf’s latest milestone saw him set a new record for Pakistan, surpassing Saqlain Mushtaq and Shaheen Afridi’s tally of 76 wickets in their first 39 ODIs.
Globally, Rauf’s statistics place him among the elite, with his 77 wickets closely rivalling Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who claimed 79 wickets in his first 39 ODIs.
Rauf’s journey, from being discovered through Lahore Qalandars’ player development program to becoming a mainstay of Pakistan’s bowling attack, has been a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers.
The ICC Player of the Month award winner will be determined through a voting process involving fans and a panel of experts.
