Haris Rauf. Image Credits: AP
Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf landed on the wrong side of fans on social media after he praised Lahore Qalandars’ bowling lineup during the PSL 2026 press conference. Fans called him out for his delusion and trolled him heavily.
Rauf, one of Pakistan’s most experienced pacers, is currently playing for Lahore Qalandars in the PSL 2026. The franchise’s bowling lineup also features another star name, Shaheen Afridi, who is also the captain of the team.
Together, Shaheen and Haris have played a lot of games for Pakistan as well in the past.
Fans ridicule Haris Rauf for his delusional comments
That being said, after Lahore Qalandars’ 69-run victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the PSL 2026 tournament opener, Haris Rauf praised Pakistan’s fast bowling lineup.
He said Lahore’s bowling is “better than an international side” and that they have the best T20 bowlers in their side.
However, fans were quick to call out Rauf’s delusion. Social media users point out that if Pakistan bowlers were this good, how come the team couldn’t reach the knockout stages of the last 4-5 ICC tournaments?
Not only that, Pakistan has instead hit a new low by losing to teams like Zimbabwe and the USA in the last couple of years.
Haris Rauf was called out for living in a delusional world, and fans tried their best to give him a reality check.
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Rauf urges Lahore Qalandars to improve standards
That being said, despite a dominant opening victory in PSL 2026, Haris Rauf is not completely satisfied with Lahore Qalandars. He urged them not to get carried away and called for higher standards and consistent execution.
“The main thing is execution. We had plans, and we tried to follow them properly. Taking wickets early gives you momentum, and then you can control the game. Everyone knows their role. When we bowl as a unit, it becomes easier to build pressure," Rauf said in post-game presser.
Rauf also pointed to small moments, like a delivery hitting the stumps without dislodging the bails, as reminders that there is always room to improve.
"I tried to give my best in the opening match, especially in situations where the stumps didn’t fall. I even went up to check if they were somehow stuck, but it was just sheer luck that they stayed intact. Next time, I’ll make sure the stumps are broken," he added.
Lahore Qalandars start PSL 2026 with a bang
Defending champions Lahore Qalandars began their PSL 2026 campaign in dominant fashion, defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen by 69 runs at Gaddafi Stadium.
Batting first, Lahore posted a strong 199/6, powered by a fluent 53 from Fakhar Zaman and a quickfire 40* from Haseebullah Khan, while Sikandar Raza provided late acceleration with a 24 off just 10 balls.
In response, Hyderabad struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 130, with captain Marnus Labuschagne top-scoring with 26.
Lahore’s bowling unit delivered a complete team performance, as Ubaid Shah, Haris Rauf, and Raza picked up two wickets each, while Mustafizur Rahman and skipper Shaheen Afridi chipped in with one apiece.
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