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Lahore, 15 February (HS). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has canceled the central contract of fast bowler Haris Rauf after he refused to be included in Pakistan's Test team for the Australia tour.
“Fast bowler Haris Rauf has been penalized by the Pakistan Cricket Board following an investigation into his refusal to be included in Pakistan's Test squad for the 2023-24 tour of Australia,” a PCB statement said.
After a thorough hearing process conducted by the PCB committee and taking into account the views of all stakeholders involved in the matter, Haris' central contract has been terminated with effect from December 1, 2023 and he will not be able to play in any foreign league till June 30, 2024. No NOC (No Objection Certificate) will be given for this.
According to the statement, the PCB management, in compliance with the principles of natural justice, gave an opportunity of personal hearing to Haris on January 30 and found his reply unsatisfactory.
The statement further said, “The PCB says that playing for Pakistan is the highest honor and privilege for any player. Refusing to be part of Pakistan's Test team in the absence of any medical report or valid reason is a violation of the central contract.”
Pakistan toured Australia for three Test matches in December–January 2023. The team performed brilliantly, but ultimately lost the series 3–0.
This was the second major decision taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board on Thursday. Earlier, it was announced that Mohammad Hafeez's role as director of the Pakistan men's cricket team has come to an end. Hafeez played the role of director on Pakistan's tours to Australia and New Zealand respectively.
Rauf has played one Test, 37 ODI and 66 T20 matches for Pakistan. He has 160 international wickets to his name.
Rauf missed the Test series to participate in Australia's Big Bash League, although he returned for the New Zealand T20I series.