Image Credit- AFP
By cancelling his core contract, the PCB has taken a
harsh stance against fast bowler Haris Rauf, who prevented himself from playing
in Pakistan’s Test series against Australia in the latter part of last year.
Following Rauf’s decision to skip the three-match series, the PCB said in a
statement that a hearing was held and “the views of all stakeholders”
were taken into consideration.
Additionally, Rauf will not be eligible to play in any foreign league until
June 30, 2024, if at all. Rauf will not be excluded from the national side as
part of this punishment; on the contrary, the PCB wants him to be ready for all
international duties during this period.
The proceedings were centred on preparations for
Pakistan’s upcoming trip of Australia, which included three Test matches. Chief
selector Wahab Riaz criticised Rauf for breaking his promise and said it would
“hurt Pakistan cricket” when he revealed the team, citing his earlier
pledge to be available for that series.
Rauf had a totally different interpretation of that interaction, saying he had
never made his availability known and that he wanted to focus on white-ball
cricket and take care of his body. It seems, nevertheless, that the board did
not find that argument persuasive during the ensuing hearing.
“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,” the PCB
said. “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.”
The decision to refuse Rauf an NOC till the end of
June is more a rhetorical expression of the PCB’s dissatisfaction than a
material disadvantage to the player. The PSL, which begins on February 17 – and
which Rauf will play – extends till March 18, and Rauf would regardless not
have been a part of the IPL, which follows the PSL.