The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken disciplinary action against fast bowler Haris Rauf for refusing to join Pakistan’s Test squad for the Australia tour in 2023-24. After a thorough inquiry by a PCB committee, and considering input from all involved parties, Haris’ central contract has been terminated from December 1, 2023.
Additionally, no No Objection Certificate (NOC) for playing in foreign leagues will be granted until June 30, 2024. Despite offering Haris a chance for a personal hearing on January 30, 2024, in line with principles of natural justice, his response was deemed unsatisfactory.
The PCB emphasizes that representing Pakistan is the highest honor for any athlete, and refusing to join the Test squad without a medical report or justifiable reason is a significant breach of the central contract.
“After a thorough hearing process conducted by a PCB committee and taking into consideration the views of all stakeholders involved in the matter, Haris’ central contract has been terminated from December 1, 2023 and no NOC (No objection certificate) to play any foreign league will be granted up to June 30, 2024,” a PCB statement read.
“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 states that 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 statement added.
What unfolded in the Haris Rauf situation?
Prior to the Australia Test series, chief selector Wahab Riaz and the Pakistan management intended to utilize Rauf in brief spells. Following Rauf’s withdrawal, Riaz expressed a clear opinion, stating that Rauf should have stepped forward to play for Pakistan during a period when the team required experience.
“Our frontline Test bowling options that bowl 140+ and can create an impact are unfit, all 3 of them. As a player when you’re centrally contracted, I think you need to sacrifice in such a situation and look to play for Pakistan rather than moving back,” Riaz said.
In the Australia Tests, Pakistan fielded a less experienced pace attack, including Khurram Shehzad, Mir Hamza, and Aamer Jamal. Rauf is presently preparing to participate in the 2024 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for the Lahore Qalandars, who are the defending champions.
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