Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf is in the middle of a hot controversy with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The fast bowler’s central contract has been terminated by the governing body after he was unavailable for the recent Test series against Australia.
As punishment for this, Haris Rauf will not be allowed to participate in any foreign league. until June 30, 2024. As per ESPNCricinfo reports, PCB is learned to have told the pacer that he wants to be available for all international engagements in the near future.
Haris Rauf retired in the last minute of the Test series against Australia. Chief selector Wahab Riaz, while announcing the team, said the fast bowler had earlier told the board that he would play. But the pacer reportedly did not agree with what the chief selector said.
Haris Rauf stated in the argument that he never confirmed his availability because he wanted to take care of his body and prioritize white-ball cricket. PCB then issued a statement regarding the termination of the pacemaker contract and mentioned that they had considered the views of all stakeholders.
Not being allowed to play abroad will not affect Haris Rauf much. The fast bowler is currently part of the Pakistan Super League. After that, there are no overseas leagues. Immediately after the PSL, IPL 2024 will begin and in any case, Pakistan players will not be able to participate in the league.
After the Indian league, The T20 Blast will begin in England, but Haris Rauf that time will be with Pakistan in the United Kingdom. The Men in Green will take on England in the white-ball series. Then it will be time for the T20 World Cup 2024 and when it concludes, the fast bowler’s punishment will end.
Serious violation of central contract: PCB statement on Haris Rauf
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), while issuing an official statement on the termination of Haris Rauf’s contract, said that they allowed the fast bowler to say his piece but his response was unsatisfactory.
PCB further stated that Haris Rauf refusing to play in the Tests against Australia was a violation of the central contract. When publishing the official statement, he explained:
“The PCB management provided the opportunity of personal hearing to Haris in accordance with the principles of natural justice on January 30, 2024, and his response was found to be unsatisfactory.
“Playing for Pakistan is the ultimate honor and privilege for any sportsperson. “Refusing to be part of the Pakistan Test team without any medical report or justifiable reason is a material violation of the central contract.”
Haris Rauf’s absence was quite evident in the Australian Test series. Pakistan suffered a disappointing 3-0 in the series. His bowlers were not up to the mark and if Haris had been there, his pace on those surfaces could have been useful.
