Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to terminate Haris Rauf’s central contract and bar him from participating in overseas T20 leagues until June 30, 2024, has been questioned by Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The speedster’s contract was revoked after he withdrew from Pakistan’s Test series against Australia. Afridi, set to play for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024, expressed his concerns about the timing of PCB’s decision, especially with a match against Islamabad United looming.
“I don’t have much to say about the PCB’s decision. But the timing is such we have a match in one day and the decision just came through,” Shaheen told ESPNcricinfo.
Despite the setback, Afridi praised Rauf for his resilience, emphasizing that his teammate remains committed to representing Pakistan.
“Haris is a mentally strong boy and this won’t affect him hopefully, and perhaps the PCB will also understand making the decision at this time was not correct. Haris is doing fine; he’s always ready to play for Pakistan,” he added.
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Haris Rauf’s contract terminated ahead of PSL:
Rauf’s absence during the Australia series drew criticism, particularly from chief selector Wahab Riaz, who suggested that Rauf should have stepped up in the absence of frontline bowlers. While Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan’s bowling attack, other bowlers like Khurram Shehzad, Mir Hamza, and Aamer Jamal were still establishing themselves in Test cricket.
Rauf’s decision to play for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 further fueled the controversy. Nevertheless, Rauf’s recent performance in the T20I series against New Zealand, where he claimed seven wickets in four matches, highlights his potential contribution to the national team.
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