In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf’s decision to opt out of the upcoming Test series against Australia has raised eyebrows, leading to potential revisions in his central contract. As per reports from PTI, Rauf’s last-minute withdrawal has left the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) displeased, considering his initial agreement to participate in the series.
Newly appointed chief selector Wahab Riaz recently unveiled an 18-member squad for the three-Test tour of Australia. This squad includes notable call-ups for 21-year-old batter Saim Ayub and 23-year-old pacer Khurram Shahzad. Shaheen Shah Afridi has been entrusted with leading the pace attack, with Naseem Shah absent due to ongoing injury recovery.
Haris Rauf’s decision to withdraw from the Test series has reportedly been fueled by his desire to play in the Big Bash League (BBL). However, sources close to the PCB have expressed dissatisfaction with Rauf’s behaviour.
Chief selector Wahab Riaz and Director of the Pakistan team, Muhammad Hafeez, held detailed discussions with Haris Rauf, emphasizing his importance as an impact bowler. They assured Rauf of a limited workload of 10-12 overs per day in Australia, consulting the team physio and trainer, who confirmed his fitness for the series. Despite these assurances, Rauf stuck to his decision to withdraw.
“I and the Director of the Pakistan team, Muhammad Hafeez, went and spoke to him in detail and told him that both the captain and coach wanted him (Haris) to play in Australia as he was an impact bowler, and we assured him he would not bowl more then 10-12 overs in a day in Australia,” Wahab had said at his press conference while announcing the squad for Australia.
“We also spoke to the team physio and trainer, and they said Haris had no fitness issues and there would be no problem with him in Australia,” Wahab said.
Speculations have arisen regarding Haris Rauf’s true intentions. Sources suggest that Rauf might be attempting to play mind games with the board and support staff. Rauf’s lack of direct denial has fueled these speculations, creating an air of uncertainty around his motivations.
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Adding to the potential repercussions, the PCB is contemplating withholding a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Haris Rauf’s participation in the Big Bash League. The board’s stance on players engaging in external leagues is clear, and Rauf’s withdrawal from the Test series could impact his eligibility for the BBL.
“There has been discussion that if Haris is only focused on white-ball cricket, then the central contact given to him also needs to be reviewed since he was placed in category B, which carries a monthly retainer of over 4 million rupees plus enhanced match fees, bonuses and a share in the PCB’s share of ICC revenues. The board could also withhold an NOC for playing in the Big Bash,” the source added.
Pakistan Squad: Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi
