Haris Rauf found himself in hot water with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after his refusal to join Pakistan’s Test squad for the tour of Australia 2023-24.
The governing body penalized the fast bowler by terminating his central contract yesterday.
The decision, which came after a thorough probe and hearing, has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community.
Additionally, the PCB has also barred him from obtaining any No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in foreign leagues until June 30, 2024.
In a statement, the PCB expressed disappointment with Rauf’s decision, emphasizing that representing Pakistan is the ultimate honour for any sportsperson.
The refusal to join the Test squad without a valid medical report or justifiable reason was deemed a violation of his central contract.
PCB has terminated Haris Rauf’s central contract because he refused to play Tests in Australia. He will not be given NOCs for foreign leagues until June 30, 2024.
Haris earlier this season was asked to play Tests with an agreement to bowl 10-12 overs per day.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) February 15, 2024
The issue surfaced when Haris Rauf withdrew from the Test series at the eleventh hour, citing fitness concerns in November last year.
Wahab Riaz, while announcing the squad, revealed that Rauf had initially consented to participate in the Test series but later changed his mind.
Despite assurances from the team management regarding support and management of his workload, Rauf opted out of the series, citing fatigue.
The team physio confirmed that Rauf had no injury concerns but was fatigued, a condition that could have been managed effectively.
"Haris Rauf refused to play tests in order to play leagues"
That's such a straight lie, what he actually said was that he don't want to get into Red ball because he has not played FC in 2 years. But what else we can expect from such clown board https://t.co/DIf7mfdSVU pic.twitter.com/4G2gcbdT41
— rafay. (@theslipscordons) February 15, 2024
The decision by the PCB has sparked a strong reaction on social media, with cricket fans expressing divided opinions.
While some believe the punishment is warranted given the circumstances, others perceive it as overly harsh.
Some of my friends defending Haris Rauf why? He didn’t respect the national cap despite being a centrally contracted player in a higher bracket. Any player who doesn’t want to play red ball cricket should just inform the PCB when contracts are given not bicker later on.
— Waheed Khan (@waheedkhan) February 15, 2024
PCB: No NOCs will be given to Haris Rauf till June 30th
Meanwhile on the same day: San Francisco Unicorns retain Haris Rauf for MLC season 2 (July 2024)
You cannot control the players every time, Imad Wasim, Amir retired. Surely, you don't want more to.pic.twitter.com/ECTm4qEd41
— Zaid Babar Khan (@ZaidBabarKhan1) February 15, 2024
I can guarantee you that the vast majority of people blaming Haris Rauf for choosing "leagues over country" would resign from a government job in Pakistan for a better paying role in a tech startup abroad, before blinking twice.
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) February 15, 2024
Strongly condemn PCB suspending central contract of Haris Rauf cause of not taking part in Australia test tour.
Would've made more sense if it was done cause of his senseless bowling.
— Anas Tipu (@teepusahab) February 15, 2024
Terminating Haris Rauf’s central contract because he excused himself from playing test cricket is like terminating Inzi’s contract for not participating in a six-pack ab workout competition.
O bhai he did us and himself a favor. He can’t play test cricket.
— Jibby (@JibbyD) February 15, 2024
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
