Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has canceled central contract of sheer pacer Haris Rauf on Thursday due to his refusal to be part of the national squad during Australia tour.
The decision followed a thorough investigation into Rauf’s alleged refusal to join the Test squad for Pakistan’s tour of Australia in the 2023-24 season.
Back in November, Chief Selector Wahab Riaz had disclosed that Rauf declined participation in the Test tour of Australia, expressing a preference for focusing on white-ball cricket and managing his workload.
Fast bowler Haris Rauf has been penalised by Pakistan Cricket Board, following a probe into his refusal to join Pakistan’s Test squad for the tour of Australia 2023-24.
“After a thorough hearing process conducted by a PCB committee and taking into consideration the views of all stakeholders involved in the matter, Haris’ central contract has been terminated from December 1, 2023 and no NOC (No objection certificate) to play any foreign league will be granted up to June 30, 2024,” said a news release.
The PCB management provided a chance for a personal hearing to Haris in compliance with the principles of natural justice on 30 January 2024 and his response was found unsatisfactory, it added.
The PCB states that playing for Pakistan is the “ultimate honour and privilege for any sportsperson”. “Refusal to be part of Pakistan’s Test squad in the absence of any medical report or justifiable reason is a material violation of the central contract.”
Meanwhile, former Pakistan cricket team captain Muhammad Hafeez on Thursday resigned as director of the national team.
The reports of expiry of his contract with PCB were circulating in the media and it is reported that the request for extension was responded negatively.
However, the Pakistan Cricket Board extended heartfelt gratitude to Mohammad Hafeez, Director Pakistan men’s cricket team, for his invaluable contributions.
“Hafeez’s passion for the game has inspired players and his mentorship during the tour of Australia and New Zealand have been of immense importance. The PCB wishes Hafeez good luck and success in his future endeavours,” it said in a post on X formerly Twitter.
