Cricket is a game of patience, skill, and confidence. Young cricketers often need time to adapt and showcase their true potential. Pakistan’s star pacer, Haris Rauf, strongly believes in giving emerging players enough opportunities to prove themselves. Speaking about the importance of backing youngsters, Rauf emphasized that they should be given at least 10 to 15 matches to develop their game and gain confidence.
The Importance of Supporting Young Players
Every successful cricketer has gone through a phase of struggle and learning before becoming a star. According to Rauf, young players need to be nurtured and supported, not judged too early. He believes that consistency in selection and trust in young players will help build the future of Pakistan cricket.
“If you want to groom players, you have to give them time. If you give them just one or two matches and then drop them, how will they learn?” – Haris Rauf
Developing Mental Toughness in Young Cricketers
Rauf pointed out that mental strength is crucial for any cricketer. If players are constantly under pressure about losing their spot after a few bad games, it affects their confidence. He suggests that giving players a fair run of matches helps them develop resilience, allowing them to learn from their mistakes and improve their game.
- Young bowlers should be given the freedom to express themselves without fear.
- Batsmen need consistent chances to adapt to international cricket.
- Performance should be judged over a period of time, not a few games.
Lessons from Established Players
Rauf cited examples of international cricket legends who were given proper opportunities early in their careers. Many world-class players struggled initially but improved with time because their teams showed faith in them.
| Player | Early Career Struggles | Matches Before Success |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Inconsistent Start | Took around 15-20 matches to settle |
| Babar Azam | Slow Strike Rate | Improved with time and experience |
| Pat Cummins | Injury Setbacks | Given multiple chances before excelling |
| Shaheen Afridi | Expensive First Few Matches | Backed by selectors, became Pakistan’s spearhead |
This highlights how trust and patience play a key role in developing future superstars.
Haris Rauf’s Personal Journey
Haris Rauf himself is a prime example of how backing a player can lead to success. Initially an unknown talent from Pakistan’s tape-ball cricket circuit, he was given opportunities in Lahore Qalandars’ development program. Despite a rough start, he was trusted with regular game time, which helped him transform into Pakistan’s premier fast bowler.
Haris Rauf’s Career Growth:
| Year | Career Milestone |
| 2018 | Selected in Lahore Qalandars’ talent program |
| 2019 | Breakthrough in PSL |
| 2020 | Debuted for Pakistan |
| 2021 | Became Pakistan’s lead T20 bowler |
| 2022 | Played in ICC T20 World Cup Final |
| 2023 | Key bowler for Pakistan in all formats |
His journey is proof that consistent opportunities help players develop into match-winners.
The Role of Coaches and Selectors
Backing young players isn’t just the responsibility of senior cricketers; coaches and selectors play a crucial role as well. Rauf urged selectors to have a long-term vision and avoid making hasty decisions.
- Selectors should identify talent early and provide them with consistent opportunities.
- Coaches must focus on skill development rather than short-term results.
- Senior players should mentor youngsters, guiding them on and off the field.
Future of Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan cricket has always been blessed with raw talent, but the real challenge is developing that talent into world-class players. Rauf’s comments highlight the need for a structured approach to player development.
- Young fast bowlers like Zaman Khan and Naseem Shah need consistent backing.
- Batting talents such as Saim Ayub and Haseebullah Khan should be given a fair chance to settle into the team.
- The team management must look at long-term growth rather than making abrupt changes.
Conclusion
Haris Rauf’s views resonate with cricket fans and experts alike. Pakistan has a rich history of producing talented cricketers, and nurturing young players with proper support and patience will ensure a strong future for the team. If selectors and management give emerging talents 10 to 15 matches to settle, Pakistan could uncover its next cricketing superstar.
