Pakistan Cricket Board cancels bowler Haris Rauf’s Central Contract as he declines to play in Australia series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has ended fast bowler Haris Rauf’s Central Contract. Because he declined to join the Test team for the Australia tour. He made this decision because he had already committed to playing in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
In a statement on Thursday, the PCB announced, “Haris Rauf’s Central Contract has been terminated effective from December 1, 2023. They will not allow him to play in any foreign league until June 30, 2024”
“The PCB management held a personal hearing with Haris on January 30, 2024. Following the principles of natural justice, but found his response unsatisfactory.”
The 30-year-old, who competed for Melbourne Stars in the franchise league, opted out of joining the Pakistan team for the three-Test series versus Australia from December 14 to January 7.
Rauf’s refusal led to a dispute with the PCB, which resolved when the board allowed him a brief stint in the BBL before joining the national squad for a five-match T20 series against New Zealand in January.
Primarily focused on limited-over cricket, Rauf has only played one Test match for Pakistan. He has also participated in T20 franchise leagues in Bangladesh and the United States.
“The refusal to join Pakistan’s Test squad without a medical report or justifiable reason violates the central contract,” stated the PCB.
Rauf played a significant role in Pakistan’s team during the 2023 Cricket World Cup, and his selection for the New Zealand T20 series was part of the preparation for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
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