Last Update on: November 22nd, 2023 at 01:24 pm
Pakistan’s under-fire fast-bowler Haris Rauf raised a number of eyebrows by opting out of the upcoming tour of Australia. Pakistan are scheduled to play a three-match Test series in Australia in December and January.
The right-arm pacer has played only one Test so far and was given the opportunity to don the Test whites once again in the upcoming series. However, he decided against playing in Australia, making newly-appointed chief selector Wahab Riaz launch a scathing critique. Slamming Haris Rauf for not making himself available for the Test series, Riaz said that it would “hurt Pakistan cricket”.
“We spoke to Haris Rauf for this tour. When we spoke to him two days ago, he gave his consent to play Test cricket for Pakistan. But last night he changed his mind, and now he doesn’t want to be part of this Test series,” Riaz told the media after announcing Pakistan’s Test squad.
“Our physio spoke to him and said he wouldn’t expect any issue or injury. Of course there’s fatigue, but we were sure we could have managed that very well. But he pulled out at the last moment and he made himself unavailable. I think this will hurt Pakistan cricket,” he added.
PCB to take action against Haris Rauf?
After Riaz’s revelation, there were rumors suggesting that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might take action against Haris Rauf for opting out of the Test series. However, the PCB has decided against taking any action and has thrown its support behind the bowler.
The PCB has also made it clear that the pacer’s recent decision won’t impact his chances of getting a callup for the future series. PCB Director Media, Aalia Rasheed, in an interview, confirmed that Haris Rauf will be considered for the upcoming limited overs series against New Zealand.
“The decision to encourage Haris to play Test matches stems from the belief that players should strive to progress in every aspect of the game, rather than limiting themselves to specific formats,” Rasheed said.
“Players must be ready to represent the national team in all formats, as they are centrally contracted with the board,” she added.
Haris Rauf has had a forgettable campaign in the recently-concluded World Cup where he struggled throughout. In 9 games, the right-arm pacer picked up 16 wickets and conceded at almost 7 runs per over.
Pakistan Test squad:
Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi
