'Must be an Indian': Pakistani cricketer Haris Rauf's verbal spat with fan in US goes viral

Pakistan bowler Haris Rauf during a confrontation with a fan in the US (Credit: News18)

Pakistani cricketer Haris Rauf allegedly got angry at a fan, who asked for a picture with the fast bowler in the United States. The incident was captured by a passerby and the video has gone viral on social media now.

Although the audio of the clip is not very clear, a fan can be seen trying to interact with Rauf who was walking on the sidewalk, following which the bowler seems to have lost his temper and charged towards the fan to confront him.

A heated argument between Haris Rauf and a fan in the USA. pic.twitter.com/d2vt8guI1m

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— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 18, 2024

Rauf's wife and a few others present on the sidewalk tried to hold him. However, the cricketer tried to break free and exchanged verbal abuse with the fan, who can be seen trying to clarify that he was asking for a picture and nothing else. During the verbal spat, Rauf can be heard saying, “tu Indian hoga (you must be Indian)”, to which the fan replied, “Pakistani hu (I am Pakistani)”.

Soon after the video went viral, Rauf issued a statement indicating that the fan verbally abused his family. "As public figures, we are open to receiving all kinds of feedback from the fans. They are open 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 their professions."

pic.twitter.com/KuUSZWoDaq

— Haris Rauf (@HarisRauf14) June 18, 2024

Recently, the Pakistan men’s cricket team has been receiving heavy criticism from its fans around the world. The team crashed out of the ongoing T20 World Cup in the first round after a surprise loss to the US cricket team and arch-rivals India.

Babar Azam, the Pakistan national team’s captain, and a few other players are currently holidaying in London with their families.