Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf on Tuesday (June 18) issued a clarification after a video of his ugly altercation with a Pakistani fan took the internet by storm.

In a viral video, Rauf can be seen taking a walk with his wife on the streets of USA when he lost his cool after a verbal exchange with a fan. He charged towards the fan and threatened to hit him before being stopped by his wife and a couple of other individuals present around.

“Tera India nahi hai ye (This is not your India),” Rauf can be heard telling the fan, who responded by saying that he is a Pakistani.

“Nahi, main Pakistan se hoon, 1 picture maangi hai bass aapka fan hoon,” the person told Rauf, who retorted with by shouting: “Pakistani hai aur yeh teri haalat hai. Baap ko gaali dega (You are a Pakistani and you are abusing my father).”

A few hours later, Haris Rauf shared his side of the story on social media platform X. He claimed that the fan abused his family members, which prompted a response from him.

“I decided not to bring this on social media, but now that the video is out, I feel it is necessary to address the situation. 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 parents 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,” Rauf’s statement read.

The Pakistan cricket team is expected to fly back home from the United States on Tuesday after getting knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2024 in the group stage itself.

The Men in Green paid the price for a Super Over defeat against USA in their campaign opener, followed by a nervy six-run defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India.

The 2009 champions salvaged some pride by winning their last group match against Ireland on June 16. However, Pakistan suffered a batting collapse before skipper Babar Azam rescued his side and sealed a scrappy win in the chase of 107.