ESPNcricinfo understands that Rauf’s NOC will almost certainly be delayed until at least December 11, four days after the BBL begins. There is no confirmation that it will be issued immediately after. Mohammad Hafeez is scheduled to hold a press conference in Lahore ahead of the Pakistan team’s departure for Australia, and it is understood that light will also be shed on Rauf’s situation.
The official reason for the delay is that the National T20 Cup in Pakistan will be extended until December 10, a tournament in which the PCB expects Rauf to fully participate.
Rauf’s absence from the BBL is also likely to upset the league, and particularly the Melbourne Stars, who signed the Pakistan fast bowler as a star player. It was initially assumed that Rauf would only be unavailable in the BBL during Pakistan’s five-match T20 series in New Zealand in mid-January, but further delays will also derail the functioning of that league.
This is especially true as Rauf’s availability has been used heavily as a marketing tool for the BBL this year, as the league (and Cricket Australia in general) looks to target its domestic South Asian audience in a marketing strategy concerted. The Melbourne Stars introduced what they called the “House of Rauf” membership for sale for the first three games at the MCG this year, as well as Haris Rauf Bay, a specifically dedicated seating area.
If Rauf’s situation with the NOC drags on, it may raise concerns among Pakistan’s centrally contracted players in general. Protracted contract negotiations between the PCB and the players stalled in part due to disagreements between each party over how many foreign leagues the players would be allowed to play in each year. It is understood they decided on two, although participation in any league was still subject to the PCB issuing an NOC.
The BBL will run from December 7, 2023 to January 24 next year.