- Rauf seemed to reference a remark about his father but it was not audible
- 30-year-old said that he was prepared to ‘respond accordingly’ for his family
- Pakistan were unable to progress to Super 8s after a disappointing World Cup
Pakistan cricketer Haris Rauf was seen confronting a group of fans who called out to him while the pace bowler was walking with his wife.
The 30-year-old was until recently taking part in the US-based T20 World Cup before Pakistan’s campaign came to an end following their final match against Ireland on Sunday.
The side were unable to progress to the Super 8s after losing to India, and falling in shock defeat to the USA at the start of their campaign.
But at some point while on American soil, Rauf became caught up in an apparently angry conflagration with a group of men who appear to antagonise the bowler.
In the clip circulating on social media, Rauf appears to be walking on a private pathway with his wife Muzna Masood Malik when seemingly incensed by something the clip does not capture.
Rauf then takes off down the path, losing both of his shoes, and vaults over a row of greenery to face up to the men – one of whom is wearing a Pakistan jersey.
Malik attempts to stop her husband, but stays back from the fray as Rauf is restrained.
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During the confrontation, snatches of conversation are audible, with one member of the group saying, as per Wisden, ‘Not in USA’ in Hindi as Rauf jumps over the bushes.
Another member of the group says: ‘You’ll hit us?’ before adding: ‘We asked for one picture, we’re your fans.’
Rauf is heard saying: ‘Are you insulting my father? This is not India,’ to which a man responds that he is from Pakistan.
The cricketer then responds: ‘You’re from Pakistan and you’re acting like this?’
In response to the video going viral, Rauf took to social media on Tuesday stating the need to ‘address the situation’ due to public attention.
‘I decided not to bring this on social media, but now that the video is out, I feel it is necessary to address the situation,’ Rauf wrote.
‘As public figures, we are open to receiving all kinds of feedback from the public. They are entitled to support or criticise us.
‘Nevertheless, when it comes to my parent and my family, I will not hesitate to respond accordingly.
‘It is important to show respect towards people and their families, irrespective of these professions.’
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are yet to respond publicly to the video, or Rauf’s subsequent statement.