BBL 2021-22: Melbourne Stars’ Haris Rauf brings out celebration promoting COVID-19 precautionary measures

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has brought forth a unique form of celebration while playing in the 2021-22 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). His fellow countryman Umaid Asif and South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi are generally known for their celebration, using masks. But this time around, it was the 28-year-old speedster, who used mask as a prop for celebrating the fall of a wicket.

Rauf, who’s plying his trade for the Melbourne Stars, pulled out the celebration during the match against Perth Scorchers on Tuesday, January 11 at the Simonds Stadium in Geelong. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Scorchers got off to a flying start as they scored 21 runs in the first two overs. However, Rauf helped the Stars stage a comeback in the match.

Rauf bowled a good length ball and Kurtis Patterson poked at the delivery with tentative hands. Wicketkeeper Joe Clarke took a sharp catch, moving to his front. Thereafter, Rauf celebrated in a way, promoting the COVID-19 protocols in the pandemic, which has wreaked havoc in the last two years. The pacer imitated taking out the sanitizer and washing his hands.

Then he pulled out a surgical mask and posed along with it. The governments of different countries have constantly been making the people aware of the need to take necessary precautionary measures in the grave global situation.

Here’s the video

"Cleanly" taken for Haris Rauf's first wicket of the day… 😷🧼@KFCAustralia | #BBL11 pic.twitter.com/hLWA0XXoth

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 11, 2022

Haris Rauf emerging as a bright prospect

Rauf, who is currently taking part in his third BBL stint, came to the fore in 2019 PSL after he impressed for the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League. Soon after, the Stars roped him in and he made a statement by picking up wickets at will. The right-arm seamer also conjured praises from Glenn Maxwell, the Stars’ skipper.

Rauf was also impressive in the T20 World Cup 2021 in the United Arab Emirates where played a key role in Pakistan reaching the semi-final. He also bagged the Player of the Match award in the game against New Zealand at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Moreover, Rauf has made a significant amount of impact in the One Day format.