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Pakistan Cricket Board has terminated fast bowler Haris Rauf's central contract after refusing to play Test cricket against Australia in December 2023. Further, Rauf is slated to be denied an NOC to play in foreign T20 leagues up to June 30, 2024.
The Men in Green were on the receiving end of a 3-0 whitewash as the Shan Masood's side had to field an inexperienced pace battery with Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali being the only seasoned campaigners. The issues with the bowling attack were further aggravated by the absence of Naseem Shah, who was out injured.
PCB terminates Haris Rauf's central contract
Hence Haris Rauf's decision to withdraw from the tour citing workload management led to an agitated PCB. Speaking on Rauf's situation, chief selector Wahab Riaz said, "He (Rauf) gave his consent, but later he changed his mind because he was worried about his fitness and the workload. His absence will affect the team's combination. I was even ready to facilitate him had he not performed in Australia, but he didn't agree."
Mohammad Hafeez parts ways with Pakistan Cricket Board
Before announcing Haris Rauf's exemption from the central contract, PCB also confirmed former captain Mohammad Hafeez's departure from the post of Director of the men’s cricket team. In Hafeez's tenure, the Men in Green lost the Test series against Australia 3-0 and the T20I series against New Zealand 4-1.
The tweet said, "The Pakistan Cricket Board extends 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," PCB tweeted.
