Lahore: In a recent development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken decisive disciplinary action against fast bowler Haris Rauf for his refusal to join Pakistan’s Test squad during the Australia tour of 2023-24. The PCB, in a statement issued on Thursday, announced the termination of Rauf’s central contract with the national team.

The decision follows a thorough probe conducted by a committee formed by the PCB, which took into consideration the views of all stakeholders involved in the matter. The committee ensured a fair hearing process, providing Rauf with an opportunity for a personal hearing on January 30, 2024. However, Rauf’s response was found unsatisfactory by the PCB management.

Rauf’s central contract has been terminated from December 1, 2023, and he will not be granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play any foreign league up to June 30, 2024. The PCB emphasized that playing for Pakistan is the ultimate honor and privilege for any sportsperson, and refusal to be part of Pakistan’s Test squad without a justifiable reason is considered a material violation of the central contract.

The decision stems from Rauf’s decision to excuse himself from playing for Pakistan in the away Test series against Australia, opting instead to participate in the Big Bash League (BBL) also taking place in the same country. Despite concerns about workload and fitness, Rauf had been cleared by the Pakistan team’s physio of any injury concerns.

Rauf, who has participated in just one Test match to date, had cited insufficient red-ball practice as the reason for his withdrawal, despite centrally contracted players being required to be unconditionally available for the national team. His decision drew criticism from Chief Selector Wahab Riaz and former cricketers for refusing to play the longer format.

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The PCB’s action underscores its commitment to maintaining discipline and accountability within the national team, ensuring that players adhere to their contractual obligations and prioritize representing Pakistan in all formats of the game.