The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has terminated fast bowler Haris Rauf’s core contract, which began on December 1, 2023, following his reluctance to join Pakistan’s Test team for the recent tour of Australia. Furthermore, Rauf is forbidden from getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to compete in any foreign league until June 30, 2024.
The PCB emphasised that playing for Pakistan is the ultimate honour for any sportsperson, and Rauf’s reluctance to join the Test squad without a proper medical report or justified explanation was a significant breach of his basic contract.
Despite being called upon to represent his country, Rauf chose to play in the Big Bash League 2023-24 for the Melbourne Stars as Pakistan faced Australia in Tests.
“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 January 30, 2024, and his response was found unsatisfactory,” the statement said. “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.
During the Australia Tests, Pakistan played an inexperienced pace attack consisting of Khurram Shehzad, Mir Hamza, and Aamer Jamal, emphasising the vacuum left by Rauf’s departure.
Meanwhile, Rauf is prepared to represent the Lahore Qalandars in the upcoming 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL).
