The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have terminated Haris Rauf’s central contract following his refusal to be selected for Pakistan’s recent Test tour of Australia.

The PCB’s decision comes hours after Mohammad Hafeez left his post as Pakistan team director, which began less than three months ago.

Rauf’s decision generated much discussion at the time. The speedster, who has played just two Tests, cited workload and fitness concerns, with the Tests sandwiched between the 2023 World Cup and a five-T20I tour of New Zealand. He was allowed by the PCB to play in the Big Bash League, which ran concurrently to the Australia series, but was also criticised for his decision by chief selector Wahab Riaz.

“We had a talk with Haris Rauf for this tour. When we talked with him two days back, he gave his consent that he will play Test cricket for Pakistan. But last night, he changed his mind and he doesn’t want to be part of this Australia Test series,” said Wahab. “We talked to Haris yesterday and he was worried about having fitness and workload issues. So Mohammad Hafeez, the team director, and I sat with him and tried to facilitate him in every way. Even if he would have failed on the tour, I was ready to accept it as a chief selector.

“About his fitness, we talked to the physio and he said he won’t be having any fitness issues going ahead. Obviously he’s played so much cricket so he is fatigued, but we could have carried out things really well. But he pulled out at the last moment and made himself unavailable for this tour, which I think will cost Pakistan.

“What we discussed with the coach and captain was that we wanted to utilise Haris Rauf in Test cricket because he’s an impact bowler. We weren’t demanding more than 10-12 overs from him in a day, which he has done in ODIs as well.

“The only issue is when you say you are available for Pakistan, and especially now when all three of our Test fast bowlers who can create an impact, who can bowl 140+ are unfit, you need to look to sacrifice and play for Pakistan instead of backing out.

“When it comes to professionalism, we have to see what’s best for Pakistan. Haris [Rauf] has not been part of any Test series after the England Test, but since we felt that we needed him and when you are a centrally contracted player, it is your duty to serve Pakistan.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board extends heartfelt gratitude to Mohammad Hafeez, Director Pakistan men’s cricket team, for his invaluable contributions. Hafeez's passion for the game has inspired players and his mentorship during the tour of Australia and New Zealand have been of… pic.twitter.com/AM4IKbm0vB

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 15, 2024

Rauf was reportedly upset with this characterisation of his decision, but, when given the chance to defend himself in front of the PCB, failed to convince them of his position.

“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,” a statement read.

“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 PCB statement also confirms that Rauf will not be allowed to play in any overseas T20 leagues until the end of June, though he has already reached the organisation’s two NOC limit during the time period.

Rauf was only months into a three-year Category ‘B’ deal. It is unclear whether another deal will be offered from the 2024 summer onwards, or whether he will be subjected to the two league maximum from July 2023.

Rauf’s next engagement will be in the Pakistan Super League, in which he represents Lahore Qalandars. There is no suggestion that the PCB’s decision will affect Rauf’s national selection.

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