Pakistan Cricket Board Terminates Fast Bowler’s Central Contract

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has terminated the central contract of fast bowler Haris Rauf due to his refusal to join the national Test squad for the recently concluded tour of Australia.

Following a comprehensive investigation, during which Rauf was given the opportunity for a personal hearing, the PCB decided to terminate his central contract effective from December 1, 2023. Furthermore, no No Objection Certificate (NOC) will be granted to Rauf to participate in any foreign league until June 30, 2024. The PCB stated that Rauf’s response during the hearing was unsatisfactory.

Pakistan toured Australia for a three-Test series in December-January 2023. Despite showing moments of brilliance, the team was ultimately whitewashed 3-0.

In other news from the Pakistan cricketing setup, it was announced earlier today that Mohammad Hafeez’s tenure as Director of the Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team has ended. The all-rounder had fulfilled this role during Pakistan’s tours of Australia and New Zealand.

Rauf has represented Pakistan in one Test, 37 ODIs, and 66 T20Is, claiming a total of 160 international wickets.

Although Rauf did not participate in the Test series, choosing instead to play in the Big Bash League in Australia, he returned for the New Zealand T20I series. He took seven wickets at an average of 23, with an economy rate of 10.61. However, Pakistan lost the five-match series 4-1.