On Thursday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced sanctions against Haris Rauf, the Pakistani speedster, following an investigation into his refusal to join Pakistan’s Test squad for the Australia tour in 2023-24.
After a comprehensive hearing conducted by a PCB committee and considering input from all relevant parties, Rauf’s central contract has been terminated effective from December 1, 2023. Additionally, no No Objection Certificate (NOC) will be issued for participation in any foreign league until June 30, 2024.
PCB has terminated Haris Rauf’s central contract because he refused to play Tests in Australia. He will not be given NOCs for foreign leagues until June 30, 2024.
Haris earlier this season was asked to play Tests with an agreement to bowl 10-12 overs per day.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) February 15, 2024
Also Read: Haris Rauf Breaks Unwanted Record in World Cup Match vs. Australia
The PCB afforded Rauf an opportunity for a personal hearing on January 30, 2024, in line with principles of natural justice; however, his response was deemed unsatisfactory.
The PCB emphasized that representing Pakistan is a tremendous honor for any athlete, and Rauf’s refusal to join the Test squad without providing a medical report or valid reason constitutes a significant breach of his central contract.
Rauf’s performance in the ICC ODI World Cup in India was deemed subpar, leading him to seek rest during the Australia tour.
During the World Cup, Rauf became the first bowler to concede the highest number of runs in a single tournament (533). Despite taking 16 wickets in 9 group matches, Pakistan finished 5th in the table with 8 points. Rauf’s bowling average was disappointing at 33.31, and he struggled with the new ball during the initial 10 overs on multiple occasions.