Pacer Haris Rauf’s central contract was terminated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday as a result of his withdrawal from the most recent Test series in Australia. The board also declared that until June 30 of this year, Rauf will not be eligible to participate in any foreign league after receiving a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC). Haris’ central contract has been canceled and the player has not been given any NOC (No objection certificate) to play in any foreign league until June 30, 2024, following a comprehensive investigation during which the pacer was afforded the option for a personal hearing. It was said that Haris’s reply was inadequate. In December and January of 2023, Pakistan visited Australia for three Test matches. Although the team had moments of brilliance, they ultimately lost 3-0.
Statements of the PCB:
“Fast bowler Haris Rauf has been penalized by Pakistan Cricket Board, following a probe into his refusal to join Pakistan’s Test squad for the tour of Australia 2023-24,” the PCB stated in a statement. As per the reports, the player’s central contract has been terminated from December 1, 2023, and it has been made clear by the authority that no NOC (No objection certificate) will be given to play any foreign league will be granted up to June 30, 2024. According to the PCB, Haris was given the opportunity for a personal hearing on January 30 in accordance with the natural justice principles, but his response was deemed inadequate. As per the board, no reports or adequate proof was submitted by the player.
Reason for termination:
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Fast bowler Haris Rauf’s core contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been terminated because he declined to go with the Test squad during Australia’s trip, which also happened to be his time playing in the Big Bash League (BBL). The 30-year-old, who spent three-Test series against Australia between December 14 and January 7, did not go with the Pakistani side. He was a player for the Melbourne Stars in the franchise league. After a protracted dispute with PCB over Rauf’s refusal, the board agreed to let him play a limited role in the BBL before he was called up to the national team for a five-match T20 series against New Zealand in January.
Rauf has only participated in one Test match for Pakistan; he has chosen to concentrate on playing limited-over cricket. According to the PCB, it is a major breach of the central contract to refuse to be a member of Pakistan’s test team in the absence of a medical report or a valid explanation. In the lead-up to the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rauf was a crucial member of the Pakistan squad that competed in the Cricket World Cup in 2023.
What’s left for the player now?
A player’s monthly wage, exclusive of match fees, allowances, and other qualifying extras, is around 4.6 million for players like Haris who have central contracts in category B. Pacer Haris Rauf of Pakistan may lose his current contract and not be allowed to play in the Big Bash League if he chooses not to participate in the three-match Test series in Australia that begins next month. If the sources are trusted, there are many officials and players who are not happy and satisfied with this behaviour of Haris. Many are not happy with the comments made by his Lahore Qalandars coach, Aqib Javed. The couch is in the support of the player.
Wahab Riaz who is Pakistan’s new head selector, aimed and questioned Haris on Monday. He questioned why he said yes and gave consent if he was not sure about the game (test against Australia) in the first place. The contract made it obvious that he has to play as per the rules and contract. The player is in form and under a central contract, which makes him eligible to participate in the Test series. “We also talked to the team trainer and physio, and they said Haris was in good physical shape and wouldn’t cause any problems over in Australia,” Wahab said.
A few hours later, reports in the Pakistani media citing Haris claimed that he had informed the selectors he wanted to concentrate on white ball cricket and control his workload and that he had never made himself available for the Tests. However, the insider said that Haris’s failure to issue a straight denial had persuaded upper-level board members that he was manipulating the board and selectors. According to the source, Zaka Ashraf, the chairman of the PCB, had heard from both Hafeez and Wahab about their displeasure with Haris’ behavior. A few hours later, reports in the Pakistani media citing Haris claimed that he had informed the selectors he wanted to concentrate on white ball cricket and control his workload and that he had never made himself available for the Tests.
Is Shaheen Afridi not happy with the decision?
Shaheen Afridi is not pleased with Haris Rauf’s treatment by the Pakistan Cricket Board. The pacer’s central contract has also been canceled, and he is not permitted to play in any foreign league until June. Haris Rauf received the penalty for declining to participate in the three-match Test series against Australia. The T20I skipper, Shaheen, has expressed doubts about the action’s timing. In the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024, Shaheen and Rauf will be players for the Lahore Qalandars. The first game between Lahore and Islamabad United is scheduled for this Saturday. Rauf’s strength was praised by Afridi, who is aiming for his third PSL victory with Qalandars. He also stated that his teammates would always prioritize Pakistan over anything else.
The fate of the player will be decided by the PCB now. Only time will tell if the board holds the same harshness or forgives him. Even the authorities know the worth of the player.
