Image Credit- PCB
The PCB has emphasised that Pakistan, not T20
franchise competitions, should be the top goal for all Pakistani players. On
the eve of the squad’s departure for Australia, team director Mohammad Hafeez
made it very plain. This was especially important given that Haris Rauf was
supposed to travel to the same nation later than planned, although to
participate in the Big Bash League (BBL).
Due to a shift in team management and the adoption of
new priorities, Rauf has found himself caught in the crossfire. After initially
receiving criticism from Wahab Riaz, the new chief selector, for declining
Australia’s selection to the Test squad, Rauf is now facing a postponement of
his Melbourne Stars debut as he waits for a nod of approval.
In a Lahore press conference, Hafeez reiterated his
commitment to Pakistan first and unveiled a new policy aimed at discouraging
young cricket players from participating in T20 cricket too early in their
careers.
Rauf has appeared in just one Test and nine
first-class matches during his career, and is primarily considered a white-ball
specialist for Pakistan. In the one Test he did play, against England in
Rawalpindi last year, he bowled 13 overs in the first innings and none at all
in the second. He was left out of the side for their last Test match, which
took place in July in Sri Lanka.
“Haris Rauf went to the chief selector [Wahab
Riaz] one evening and I think committed to Test cricket,” Hafeez said.
“Then for some reason he didn’t want to play. When we saw reports from the
physio, Haris has no issues stopping him from playing Test cricket. So the
thinking that someone doesn’t want to play Tests, or is being forced to, that
is wrong.
“If an individual thinks he doesn’t want to play
red-ball cricket, that is an individual act. The central contract was given on
the basis that all players will be available for all formats if we need them.
In the Haris Rauf case, he has shown unavailability for red-ball ricket, so
with central contracts any decision will be taken keeping Pakistan’s FTP
commitments in mind and that is how it will be decided who we give what
contracts to in what category.”