Pakistan’s premier pacer Haris Rauf is in trouble after refusing to play AUS vs PAK Test series in favour of Big Bash League. Pakistan Cricket Board has terminated his central contract and has banned him from playing any overseas T20 leagues till June 30, 2024.
Pakistan Cricket Board issued a showcause notice to Haris Rauf. But the fast bowler failed to justify his refusal to play Test.
Why did Rauf refuse to play Test?
Hairs Rauf repeatedly raised concerns about his bowling workload. But it fell on deaf ears. He raised injury concerns as well but the PCB medical team cleared him from injury worries.
With the Pakistan Cricket Team depleted due to injuries to Naseem Shah and others, Shaheen Afridi was the lone ranger for the team in Australia. Hence PCB called up Haris Rauf to join the squad, but he refused.
Rauf has played only one Test and is considered a white-ball specialist. However, with injury crisis in Pakista Cricket Team, he was back in consideration for Tests. He did join the squad ahead of 3rd AUS vs PAK Test but he was not picked.
Following intense criticism from fans, former players and the PCB, the fast bowler also contemplated retiring from international cricket in favour of franchise cricket.
PCB Statement on Haris Rauf
Fast bowler Haris Rauf has been penalised by Pakistan Cricket Board, following a probe into his refusal to join Pakistan’s Test squad for the tour of Australia 2023-24.
After a thorough hearing process conducted by a PCB committee and taking into consideration the views of all stakeholders involved in the matter, Haris’ central contract has been terminated from December 1, 2023 and no NOC (No objection certificate) to play any foreign league will be granted up to June 30, 2024.
The PCB management provided a chance for a personal hearing to Haris in compliance with the principles of natural justice on 30 January 2024 and his response was found unsatisfactory.
The PCB states that playing for Pakistan is the ultimate honour and privilege for any sportsperson. Refusal to be part of Pakistan’s Test squad in the absence of any medical report or justifiable reason is a material violation of the central contract.
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