T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan Pacer Haris Rauf Accused Of Ball Tampering

Dallas: Pakistan’s challenges continue to mount in the T20 World Cup 2024 following a shocking defeat to the USA.

Adding to their woes, pacer Haris Rauf has been accused of ball tampering during the match on Thursday. Rusty Theron, a former South African bowler and current USA team member, levelled serious allegations on social media, tagging the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Theron accused Rauf of using his nails to tamper with the new ball, attempting to induce reverse swing. He tweeted: “@ICC are we just going to pretend Pakistan aren’t scratching the hell out of this freshly changed ball? Reversing the ball that’s just been changed 2 overs ago? You can literally see Harris Rauf running his thumbnail over the ball at the top of his mark. @usacricket #PakvsUSA.”

@ICC are we just going to pretend Pakistan aren’t scratching the hell out of this freshly changed ball? Reversing the ball that’s just been changed 2 overs ago? You can literally see Harris Rauf running his thumb nail over the ball at the top of his mark. @usacricket #PakvsUSA

— Rusty Theron (@RustyTheron) June 6, 2024

Rauf’s performance was lacklustre, claiming only 1 wicket for 37 runs in his 4 overs. Despite the serious accusation, the USA team has not filed an official complaint.

In the aftermath of the match, Pakistan captain Babar Azam criticised his bowlers, expressing disappointment over their inability to defend a modest total of 159. “We are better than that in bowling, we were not able to take wickets in the first six overs. In the middle overs, your spinner is not taking wickets then pressure is on us. After 10 overs, we did come back but I think the way they finished the game in the Super Over, the credit goes to the US team,” Babar said in the post-match press conference.

Pakistan is set to face their arch-rivals India next, aiming to rebound in the tournament.