All-format Haris Rauf does not want to be pigeonholed as a T20 specialist

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Melbourne Stars pacer Haris Rauf . Photo: Big Bash League

Melbourne Stars pacer Haris Rauf has dismissed the notion that he is a 20-over specialist, as he stressed that he can and is capable of playing in all formats.

"It is wrong to think that my sole focus is on T20 cricket," Rauf is quoted as saying by Daily Express. 

"I have had great performances in one-day matches and bowled long spells in first-class cricket too," he said.

According to the Urdu publisher, the bowler said that he wanted to represent the country in all three formats and revealed that bowling coach Waqar Younis, via telephone, told him to maintain his form in the ongoing Big Bash League.

Read more: WATCH: Pakistan’s Haris Rauf bags hat-trick in BBL

"I do wish to play on all three formats and represent my country," he said. "It was reassuring to hear Waqar support me. Hopefully, if I end up playing for Pakistan I’ll be able to put on a good performance."

Furthermore, the 26-year-old said that playing in BBL has given the pacer some good insight on the Australian conditions and added that he intended to return to the franchise next season.

"The Lahore Qalandars had sent me to Australia to train, and two years later I was called to play in the Big Bash. My stellar performance in the BBL is all due to the Lahore Qalandars," he said. 

Read more: Haris Rauf's BBL journey is culmination of Lahore Qalandars' trust in process: CEO Rana

"My team has been like a family to me and the franchise has changed my life. I never thought I would be able to play at this level.

"I hope to play for this franchinse in the next season."