Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi questions PCB's timing to terminate Haris Rauf's central contract

Lahore: Pakistan white-ball captain Shaheen Shah Afridi questioned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the timing of terminating the central contract of pacer Haris Rauf after the latter opted not to play in the recently concluded Test series against Australia. Rauf decided to suit up for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League instead of the national team in the Test series, which they lost 0–3. To add more misery, PCB has also denied Rauf No Objection Certificates (NOC) in overseas T20 competitions until June 30, 2024.

Incidentally, both Shaheen and Rauf will feature for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2024. They will take on Islamabad United in their campaign opener. “I don't have much to say about the PCB's decision. But the timing is such that we have a match in one day and the decision just came through,” Shaheen told ESPNcricinfo.

Shaheen, however, stood by Rauf and said his teammate is 'mentally strong' and 'always ready' to don the national jersey. “Haris is a mentally strong boy and hopefully this will not affect him, and perhaps the PCB will also understand that the decision at this time was not right. Haris is doing well; he is always ready to play for Pakistan,” he added.

After the Australia series, Rauf returned to the Pakistan team for the T20I series against New Zealand. Although the Men in Green lost the series 1-4, Rauf was among the wickets. In Rauf's absence, the likes of Khurram Shehzad, Mir Hamza and Aamer Jamal found their feet on Australian soil.

Before terminating his contract, PCB gave Rauf the opportunity to choose his side, but his response was unsatisfactory.

“Fast bowler Haris Rauf has been sanctioned by the Pakistan Cricket Board following an investigation into his refusal to join the Pakistan Test squad for the 2023-2024 tour of Australia. The PCB management offered an opportunity to hear Haris personally on January 30, 2024, in accordance with the principles of natural justice, and his response was found unsatisfactory,” PCB said in a statement.