Haris Rauf has found a new home in the Big Bash League (BBL), after spending five years with Melbourne Stars. He will don the Adelaide Strikers jersey this season, having been signed as the team’s third overseas player besides Ben Stokes and Mark Chapman.
Rauf’s numbers down under
Since 2020, Rauf has the best bowling average down under among all bowlers with at least 50 T20 wickets. Playing 41 shortest-format games, he has taken 62 wickets at an average of just 18.24.
He ended the BBL last year as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, taking 20 wickets in eleven games. The Pakistan pacer also became the fastest bowler to complete his 50 BBL wickets, reaching the milestone in just 30 games.
Adelaide Strikers coach Tim Paine believes Rauf’s experience, pace and match-winning ability will make him a fan favourite at Adelaide Oval.
“Haris is a proven match-winner who has performed at the highest level in international cricket and franchise competitions around the world,” he said.
“Strikers fans are going to love watching him steam in at Adelaide Oval. He’s one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket and has the ability to change a game in an instant.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Haris to Adelaide for the entire tournament. He’s an exciting player, a fierce competitor and someone who will bring plenty of energy to our group.
“Having all of our international players available for the entire tournament was a key priority throughout our off-season, and we believe it will be a significant advantage for our side.”
So far, Rauf is the only Pakistan men’s player signed by any BBL franchise. All of the teams save Hobart Hurricanes have filled their overseas spots.
Adelaide Strikers Squad for BBL|16 (so far):
Alex Carey (contracted until BBL|17), Mark Chapman (BBL|16), Mackenzie Harvey (BBL|16), Thomas Kelly (BBL|16), Lloyd Pope (BBL|16), Haris Rauf (BBL|16), Jason Sangha (BBL|16), Liam Scott (BBL|16), Matt Short (BBL|17), Ben Stokes (BBL|16), Tom Straker (BBL|16), Henry Thornton (BBL|16), Jerrssis Wadia (BBL|17)
In: Ben Stokes (England), Mark Chapman (New Zealand), Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
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