Playing in front of home fans adds no extra pressure: pace sensation Haris Rauf

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Web Desk
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Rauf says playing for Pakistan in front of home fans brings no added pressure. — Photo: Geo.tv/screengrab

Haris Rauf, the fast bowler catapulted into stardom by the Big Bash League (BBL), on Tuesday said that playing on home ground in the upcoming Bangladesh series would boost his morale instead of adding pressure.

“There is a difference between playing league cricket and playing for your country. The mindset is [different of course]. But in a home series, the crowd at the stadium is your own, which provides a boost instead of adding any pressure. I take this as a positive,” Rauf said days after leaving Australia and linking up with the national squad back home for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh.

Read more: Haris Rauf pays homage to Lahore Qalandars after 'dream-come-true' Pakistan call-up

Rauf, who was one of the stars of the ongoing BBL, claiming 16 wickets in just seven matches for Melbourne Stars and his association with Pakistan Super League franchise Lahore Qalandars has led some to believe that he is a T20 specialist — another notion the pacer is keen to erase.

“My aim is to play continuously and for long periods,” he said, reiterating that “I want to represent Pakistan in all the formats.”

The pacer fired a warning in the direction of Bangladeshi batsmen, saying that he touched the 150kmph mark in the BBL and wants to bowl just as quick in the upcoming series.