Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has cast doubt over Haris Rauf's availability for the upcoming Champions Trophy, suggesting the pacer's injury could require a significantly longer recovery period than officially indicated. Injury assessment Rauf sustained a lower chest muscle strain during the first ODI of the ongoing Tri-nation series against New Zealand, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to rest him as a precautionary measure. While the PCB maintains optimism through an official statement – "The injury is not serious and he is expected to be fully recovered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025" – Amir's assessment paints a more concerning picture. Expert insight Drawing from personal experience, Amir provided a detailed timeline for recovery. "If Haris Rauf has a side strain, he cannot recover fully before six weeks. If it's just stiffness, then that's different," he told GeoSuper.tv. "If it is a grade one or two side strain, no matter what, it will take six weeks, and then the rehab starts," added Amir, who faced a similar injury during a previous Pakistan Super League season. Risk assessment Amir strongly cautioned against rushing Rauf's return. "I think it will be foolish to risk his career for three matches of a tournament because he won't be able to give his 100 per cent," he emphasised. Global impact Should Rauf be ruled out, he would join an growing list of premier fast bowlers missing the tournament, including India's Jasprit Bumrah and Australian duo Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. The Champions Trophy begins in Karachi on February 19, leaving Pakistan's team management with crucial decisions regarding their pace attack's composition.Original Article