Many Pakistan cricketers jumped to the rescue of Haris Rauf, after a video went viral online, where the pacer is seen engaged in a heated squabble with a fan. After Pakistan's group stage exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, a fan was caught on camera in an argument with Haris Rauf, having allegedly thrown insults at the player's family. Rauf's teammates Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali, as well as Ahmed Shehzad, took to social media to address the behaviour of the fans.
"Let's keep the debate respectful and considerate of the players' families. Let's promote love, peace and respect for the GAME," tweeted fellow pacer Hasan Ali.
Shadab Khan was firmer with his words, criticising the fans' behaviour towards the cricketers.
"It is not OKAY to attack anyone personally in their family's presence, unacceptable. How would you feel if someone attacked you personally while with family?" posted Shadab on X.
Rizwan's post, however, triggered a major row, as he mentioned that it didn't matter if the fan was from India or Pakistan, despite the fact that it was cleared by the fan himself that he was from Pakistan.
Rizwan received criticism on social media for bringing India into the debate despite there being no involvement from any Indian fan.
Discarded Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has been the talk of the town on social mediathe last few weeks, criticising Babar Azam and the Pakistan cricket team. However, even he expressed his dislike for the events that had unfolded.
"As cricket fans, you can criticise the performance of players and their actions on the field. No one has the right to ridicule a player or their family, always respect their privacy," said Shehzad.
"Criticise them for grouping in the team, for their friendships which has kept deserving players out, for prioritising personal milestones over country's collective success, and for the betterment of Pakistan cricket only," he added.
Pakistan's poor performance in the T20 World Cup - losses to USA and India leading to their early exit - has not gone down well among former Pakistan cricketers and experts, with many calling for a change in the team. However, after the attack on Rauf's family, the players made sure that such behaviour remains inexcusable.