As stated in a press statement, the top authority, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has taken serious action against fast bowler Haris Rauf, ending his central contract with effect from December 1, 2023. Following his refusal to be included in the Test team for the three-match away series against Australia, the right-arm speedster was moved.
Haris Rauf opted to play for the Melbourne Stars instead of the Test series against Australia, opting to focus on the ongoing 13th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). Chief selector Wahab Riaz chastised the 30-year-old for the same, saying he had retracted his decision after pledging to play for the team. The decision to quit, in Riaz’s opinion, will harm Pakistani cricket.
After a comprehensive hearing procedure, on January 30, 2024, the PCB administration granted the speedster a personal hearing in accordance with specific natural justice standards. But it wasn’t thought that the tearaway pacer’s claim was strong enough.The PCB’s dramatic move also implies that until June 30, 2024, the 30-year-old will not be eligible to play in any overseas T20 competition.
As there is no evidence of harm or other acceptable explanation, the PCB considers Rauf’s decision to skip the Test series to be a breach of the central contract.In his one Test match, which took place in December 2022 in Rawalpindi against England, the right-arm bowler took one wicket and gave up 78 runs in just 13 overs. Pakistan lost by 74 runs in the highly scoring Test match.