Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has found himself in the midst of a red-hot controversy with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The fast bowler’s central contract has been terminated by the governing body after he made himself unavailable for the recent Test series against Australia.
As a punishment for that, Haris Rauf will not be provided NOC to participate in any overseas league until June 30, 2024. As per the reports in ESPNCricinfo, it is learned that PCB has told the pacer that they want to be available for all international commitments in the near future.
Haris Rauf at the last minute pulled out of the Test series against Australia. Chief selector Wahab Riaz while announcing the squad said that the fast bowler had earlier told the board that he would play. But the pacer reportedly didn’t agree with what the chief selector said.
Haris Rauf stated in the argument that he never confirmed his availability as he wanted to take care of his body and prioritize white-ball cricket. PCB then released the statement on the contract termination of the pacer and mentioned that they considered the views of all the stakeholders.
Not being allowed to play overseas won’t affect Haris Rauf much. The fast bowler currently is part of the Pakistan Super League. After that, there aren’t any overseas leagues. Straight after the PSL, IPL 2024 will begin and Pakistan players in any case are not allowed to take part in the league.
Following the Indian league, The T20 Blast in England will start but Haris Rauf that time will be with Pakistan in the UK. The Men in Green will be locking horns with England in the white-ball series. Then it will be time for the T20 World Cup 2024 and by the conclusion of that, the fast bowler’s punishment will end.
Material violation of the central contract – PCB’s statement on Haris Rauf
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) while releasing an official statement on Haris Rauf’s contract termination said that they allowed the fast bowler to say his part but his response was unsatisfactory.
PCB further stated that Haris Rauf refusing to play in Tests against Australia was a violation of the central contract. Releasing the official statement, he explained:
“The PCB management provided a chance for a personal hearing to Haris in compliance with the principles of natural justice on 30 January, 2024, and his response was found unsatisfactory.
“Playing for Pakistan is the ultimate honour and privilege for any sportsperson. Refusal to be part of Pakistan’s Test squad in the absence of any medical report or justifiable reason is a material violation of the central contract.”
Haris Rauf’s absence was quite evident in the Australia Test series. Pakistan suffered a disappointing 3-0 whitewash in the series. Their bowlers weren’t up to the mark and had Haris been there, his pace on those surfaces could’ve been handy.
