Former Pakistan captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has slammed pacer Haris Rauf for opting out of the upcoming AUS vs PAK Test series. Rauf, who has been an integral part of Pakistan cricket team in white-ball format, decided to skip the red-ball cricket to play in the Big Bash League (BBL).
In a recent interview at the Kayo Sports’ summer of cricket launch event, Akram said that if a player wants to be remembered as great, he needs to play in the longest format.
“Test is a big boy’s game at the end of the day. You’ve got to bowl eight-over spells. In T20 you bowl four overs and stand at fine leg. Piece of cake. Test cricket is a long race, and if you want to be remembered as a great of the game, that’s where Test cricket comes in,” Akram said.
Rauf made his Test debut against England last December, but was ruled out of the rest of the game and series after sustaining a quad injury.
However, Akram, who is also the director of cricket and bowling coach of the Lahore Qalandars, said that at the end of the day it is Rauf’s decision.
“That’s his decision. He’s a contracted player, so there’s a lot of controversies back home. There are some white-ball specialist cricketers in this day and age … if he thinks he’s not there as yet, then that’s his call,” the 57-year-old added.
Notably, Haris Rauf was initially picked in the 18-member squad for the Test series down under but the pacer changed his decision an withdrew his name due to concerns over workload management.
“Haris Rauf was initially picked for the tour but he refused to partake in it, citing workload concerns. We spoke to Haris about this tour two days ago, and he gave his consent to playing Tests for Pakistan. However, he changed his mind last night and didn’t want to be a part of this Australia Test series,” Chief selector Wahab had claimed.
Rauf, who made his international debut in January 2020, has played 37 ODIs and 62 T20Is for Pakistan, taking 69 and 83 wickets, respectively. Notably, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allowed Rauf to play in the Big Bash League until December 28.
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