Pakistan cricket is facing internal strains as speedster Haris Rauf’s central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may be subject to reassessment due to his refusal to participate in the upcoming Test series slated for Australia. Insiders have indicated that top brass within the PCB are less than pleased with Rauf’s decision and are also discontent with comments from his Lahore Qalandars coach, Aqib Javed, who has publicly supported the rapid fast bowler.
Raising the stakes, Pakistan’s newly instated chief selector, Wahab Riaz, expressed his disappointment in no uncertain terms. Riaz, a seasoned fast bowler with World Cup credentials, voiced his dissatisfaction during the squad announcement for the Australia tour. He shared that efforts were made to ensure Rauf’s comfort, including guarantees that his bowling would be limited to 10-12 overs per day, only to have the bowler retract his availability citing workload and fitness concerns two days later.
However, reports in the Pakistani media, citing Haris Rauf, convey a conflicting message, where the pacer denies having offered his availability for the Tests, instead choosing to hone in on white-ball cricket. The lack of a direct rebuttal from Rauf has led PCB officials to conclude that there may be a deliberate attempt to mislead the board and selectors.
Amid these developments, there is chatter about revisiting the terms of Rauf’s contract. Currently, he holds a Category B contract that secures over 4 million rupees monthly along with match fees, bonuses, and a portion of PCB’s International Cricket Council revenues. Typically, such high-tier contracts are reserved for versatile players across all formats. Consequently, Rauf’s focus on limited-overs cricket could trigger a revision of his cricketing terms with the PCB.
This dilemma also potentially impacts Rauf’s stint in the Big Bash League, as the PCB could opt to withhold the No Objection Certificate (NOC) necessary for his participation. The opportunity to act as a freelance cricketer, relinquishing the central contract, may be a consideration for Rauf, akin to international compatriots like Trent Boult and Jason Roy, who have made similar choices.
This tenuous situation has reached the upper echelons of PCB’s hierarchy, with Hafeez and Wahab relaying their concerns regarding Rauf’s attitude directly to PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf.
Haris Rauf, while a promising talent for Pakistan, showcased his skill in just one Test against England in Rawalpindi this past December, where an injury cut short his contributions at 13 overs. With the World Cup 2023 approaching, Pakistan cricket can ill afford internal discord and fitness worries, especially associated with players of Rauf’s caliber, as they aim to compete on the international stage.
As the PCB navigates the intricate balance between player management and commitments across cricketing formats, the outcome of Haris Rauf’s situation will undoubtedly set a precedent for future contracts and player-board relations within the sphere of Pakistan cricket.
The coming days may reveal whether compromises will be reached or if Rauf will venture as a freelance cricketer, a path that appears increasingly viable amidst the shifting landscape of international cricket. For sports enthusiasts keen on the latest developments, the unfolding story will be one to watch closely.