In a heartwarming gesture, Pakistan fast-bowler Haris Rauf gifted a ball to the Indian security guard after a Big bash League 2019-20 (BBL) match. Rauf is currently playing for Melbourne Stars and the speedster picked 5/27 in his quota of four overs against Hobart Hurricanes. "I gave today's match ball to a security guy who is from India. When I came to the ground today I told him I am from Pakistan, he got emotional, he cried and he hugged me,” Pakistani journalist Saj Sadiq quoted Rauf as saying. Naseem Shah Becomes Second Youngest Bowler in History to Claim a Five-Wicket Haul in Tests As Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka by 263 Runs in Karachi.

Following his match-winning spell, the Pakistani pacer said, “it was my dream to play the Big Bash. The last two years I have been playing grade cricket in Sydney and Melbourne Stars gave me a chance. This award is dedicated to my family and the Qalandars who sent me to play here in Australia. Dale Steyn is my idol and it is an honour to be in the same team as him. I have been training in Sydney along with Aaqib Javed.” Virat Kohli Practices Against Pakistani Bowlers During the Nets Ahead of IND vs AUS 4th Test 2019 (Watch Video).

Haris Rauf's Special Gesture

Watch Haris Rauf's Five-Wicket Haul

Interestingly, Rauf was added to Melbourne Stars squad for BBL 2019-20 as a replacement for his idol Dale Steyn, who is currently nursing a side strain. Rauf has featured in Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Lahore Qalandars after he was spotted in their talent-hunt programme. The pacer is now hoping to make it to the Pakistan team for the next year’s T20 World Cup which will be held in Australia.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 23, 2019 01:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).