Haris Rauf's central contract terminated: PCB

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Thursday announced the termination of fast bowler Haris Rauf's central contract following a probe into his refusal to join Pakistan’s Test squad for the tour of Australia 2023-24.

"Fast bowler Haris Rauf has been penalised by Pakistan Cricket Board, following a probe into his refusal to join Pakistan’s Test squad for the tour of Australia 2023-24," a statement issued by the national cricket governing body read.

The decision was taken after a committee formed by the PCB conducted a thorough hearing process and probe into the matter.

During this process, views of all the stakeholders involved in the matter were taken into consideration.

"Haris’s 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," the statement added.

It stated that 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 stated 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," it added.

The much-praised pacer, Rauf had excused himself from playing for Pakistan in the away Test series against Australia — played from December 2023 - January 2024 — packing his bags to leave for the Big Bash League (BBL) instead, which was also taking place in the same country.

The white-ball speedster's reason for withdrawing from the Test series had stemmed from his concerns about workload and fitness.

Having previously voiced worries about his workload and fitness,the fast bowler had though been cleared by the Pakistan team's physio of any injury concerns.

The speedster has participated in just one Test match to date, facing England in 2022. His experience in first-class cricket comprises merely nine matches, yet he boasts a track record of over 200 white-ball games across various formats.

Rauf, a week before the Australia Test tour, cited not having enough red-ball practice on the back as reason for his withdrawal in a reply submitted to the PCB over a show cause notice,

As per the notice, centrally contracted players should be unconditionally available for the national team but the 30-year-old had indicated unavailability for the three matches.

The paceman also received severe criticism from Chief Selector Wahab Riaz and former cricketers for refusing to play the longer format.