Haris Rauf calls for respect after video of heated argument with fan goes viral

Cricketer Haris Rauf has said he will not “hesitate to respond accordingly” when his family is being criticised by fans, addressing a video that has gone viral on social of him fighting with a fan in Florida.

Rauf shared his response on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday afternoon, acknowledging that “as public figures, we are open to receiving all kinds of feedback from the public”.

“They are entitled 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.”

The statement comes hours after a video surfaced online of the bowler’s altercation with a fan turning heated. The video begins with the ‘fan’ making a very inappropriate remark about Rauf’s mother. Rauf immediately begins moving towards the man and is pulled back by his wife and later blocked by other men who ask him to let it go.

In the video, Rauf says the man must be Indian, but is told by the man himself that he is from Pakistan. The man who made the inappropriate remark claims he just wanted a picture with the bowler.

The video is being criticised on social media as it illustrates how vitriolic criticism online is now translating into real life abuse of players and their families.

Some people blamed former players and journalists for enabling hateful behaviour online.

Others simply criticised the fan’s abusive words.

Rauf’s teammate and friend Hassan Ali also commented on the situation and reminded fans that “criticism can be constructive without being hurtful”.

Rauf was right when he said it is important to show respect regardless of people’s professions. That a ‘fan’ decided he could spew vitriol because Rauf didn’t want to take a picture with him is so deeply problematic.

The team played terribly — that’s not being questioned — but that doesn’t mean fans can speak to them in this manner. Regardless of how many runs a bowler gave or how many wickets he missed, everyone should be afforded basic respect.