‘I used to sell nimco to pay my school fees’: Haris Rauf’s documentary reflects childhood struggles
ESPN released a documentary on September 30 on the rise of Pakistan cricket star Haris Rauf. The documentary details his journey, from humble beginnings to being declared as one of Pakistan’s best cricket players. In the 27 minute documentary, Haris opened up about struggling to work in order to pay his university fee, revealing that he sold nimco in streets in order to get by as his father couldn’t make enough to afford his schooling.
“I used to play tape ball cricket in order earn money for my studies. My father wasn’t earning enough to pay for my studies,” the cricket star revealed. “After matriculation, I used to work in the market, I sold nimco on Sundays in order to be able to pay my fees. The rest of the week I would be attending school and the academy.”
In the documentary, Haris could be seen walking around his old home, speaking about how money was a big concern for his family during his teenage years:
“My father had three brothers and we all lived together. The biggest room belonged to my father. We used to live in that room before my uncle got married. As my uncles got married, my father gave them the bigger rooms and started moving to the small ones. Eventually, we reached a point that we were sleeping in the kitchen.”
Clips from the documentary, showing Haris walking to his old home, is currently going viral on social media, with many users getting emotional at the cricket star’s candid confessions about growing up in a financially struggling family to becoming one of the biggest stars of Pakistan
“From selling Nimko in local markets to financing his education, to becoming one of the most feared bowlers in the world today, Haris Rauf‘s journey is a fascinating story that inspires generations,” one user wrote.
From selling Nimko in local markets to financing his education, to becoming one of the most feared bowlers in the world today, Haris Rauf's journey is a fascinating story that inspires generations.. #HarisRauf pic.twitter.com/0KOa3kUsyE
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) October 1, 2023
i like cricket as a sport but these players and their struggles have made me fall in love with this sport! They inspire me to keep going on. https://t.co/8Zoe5A5HBZ
— Blank.. (@SamaviaShahid5) October 1, 2023
i am not crying . are you ?pic.twitter.com/HGkT4GejiE
— 🥤 (@romattuba2) October 1, 2023
It's so amazing how he manged all the other responsibilities of life and also kept his dream alive 🌟
— Ramsha Naveed (@RamshaNaveed6) October 1, 2023
Indeed a very rare story ❤️ https://t.co/BEdDvsAMCN
I'm a bit emotional right now after hearing Pacer Haris Rauf story. How Much he struggled to get that level on which he is Today. Hardwork Always Pays off.#ICCCricketWorldCup #HarisRauf pic.twitter.com/z2a2bfCEWR
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantguptaa73) October 1, 2023
Watch the complete documentary here.