Lahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana slammed the PCB for poor handling of the recent issue over Haris Rauf’s central contract.

Haris Rauf had opted out of Pakistan’s three-match Test tour of Australia in 2023/24, but played in the BBL for the Melbourne Stars. The decision drew criticism from some corners.

Rauf also represented Pakistan when they toured New Zealand for five T20Is. However, just ahead of the PSL 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board terminated his central contract, months after they had issued him a Category ‘B’ deal.

PCB terminate Haris Rauf’s central contract following Australia Test tour refusal ❌https://t.co/Pb0C6hTTaA

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 15, 2024

“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,” ran the PCB release.

In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Lahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana criticised the PCB for their handling of the matter. “The timing of that announcement was wholly unnecessary. There was no Pakistan series coming up, or any emergency situation that necessitated the announcement two days before the PSL. Whatever the logic was, the timing was really bad.

“It was a huge blow psychologically for him, because his whole life’s main aim is playing for Pakistan.”

Rauf’s 66 wickets (average 29.54, economy 9.10) are the second-most for Lahore Qalandar’s, and are bettered by only Shaheen Shah Afridi’s tally of 98 wickets (20.97 and 7.95).

“Rauf’s our premier bowler, our highest wicket-taker after Shaheen Afridi,” pointed out Rana. “To publicly humiliate him and issue a press release announcing the termination of his central contract – I have never seen this happen anywhere. I would never treat my employees like that.

“The employee at least has the right for you to call, email or message them. None of that happened with Rauf, and it was pathetic. It was really poor management.

“I don’t know what the PCB was thinking. I was on the receiving end. Haris was our premier fast bowler. If someone treats you like that, you can’t pretend it doesn’t affect you, especially when it’s your country, something you’re emotional about anyway. And especially Haris, who is a naturally emotional person.

“It was an additional responsibility on me and the whole team to keep motivating him, and keeping him in the right frame of mind. He is a very strong boy, but again, a negative thought can creep into your brain. But unfortunately, after he seemed to be returning to form and performed brilliantly, he got injured. Of course we can’t control that.”

Rauf dislocated his shoulder while attempting a catch during Lahore Qalandars’ match against Karachi Kings, an injury which is expected to keep him out of action for about six weeks.

Subscribe to the Wisden Cricket YouTube channel for post-match analysis, player interviews, and much more.