Haris Rauf left the field midway through his seventh over in Pakistan's first ODI of their tri-series with New Zealand and South Africa, sparking concerns for his fitness ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Rauf appeared to be suffering from some discomfort after bowling a ball to Glenn Phillips. He left the field escorted by team medical personel after the second ball of his seventh over, leaving Salman Ali Agha to bowl the remaining four deliveries. On his way off the field, Rauf slammed his jumper onto the ground in apparent frustration at being forced out of the attack. New Zealand were 188-4 at the time, with 14 overs of the innings remaining.
The PCB released an update on Rauf shortly after he left the field, saying the following: "Sharp pain in left side of the chest and abdomen muscles following delivering a ball during the match. On assessment has low-grade side strain. Being treated immediately and will reassess for return to field after treatment."
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There will be concern over the consequences for Pakistan's Champions Trophy campaign if the injury turns out to be serious. Rauf has been named in Pakistan's preliminary squad for the tournament, which will start on February 19, less than two weeks' time.
As hosts, Pakistan are looking to retain the Trophy they won in 2017 before the tournament's eight-year absence. Rauf is slated to be a key part of their campaign, as a leader of their fast-bowling attack alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.
Since the beginning of 2023, only Afridi (59) has taken more wickets in men's ODIs than Rauf (54). In the game against New Zealand, Rauf had already dismissed Tom Latham in his spell, and had figures of 1-23 before he went off.
Several teams' Champions Trophy squads have already been affected by injuries to pace bowlers. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been ruled-out of Australia's campaign, while there are doubts over whether Jasprit Bumrah will be ready for India's opening game of the tournament.
Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee will play no part in the tournament for South Africa, with back and hamstring injuries respectively. New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson also picked up an injury during the ILT20 earlier this week.
The deadline for the teams to announce their final 15-player squads is February 12th, four days from now. Pakistan will play the opening match of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand in Karachi.
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