Pakistan Cricket Board Terminates Haris Rauf’s Contract for Withdrawing from Australia Tests

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken disciplinary action against fast bowler Haris Rauf by terminating his central contract due to his withdrawal from the recent Test series in Australia. Additionally, the PCB announced that Haris will not be granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in any foreign league until June 30, 2024.

In a statement, the PCB stated, “Fast bowler Haris Rauf has been penalized following a probe into his refusal to join Pakistan’s Test squad for the tour of Australia 2023-24.”

The decision came after a thorough hearing process conducted by a PCB committee, during which Haris’ response was deemed unsatisfactory. The board emphasized that Haris’s refusal to join the Test squad without a valid reason or medical report constitutes a material violation of the central contract.

Haris, categorized under B in the central contracts, receives a monthly salary of approximately 4.6 million, in addition to match fees, allowances, and bonuses.

The Test tour of Australia took place between December 18, 2023, and January 7, 2024, during which Pakistan lost all three matches. Chief selector Wahab Riaz had earlier revealed that Haris initially made himself available for the Tests but later withdrew, citing work management and fitness issues.

Despite pulling out of the Test series, Haris participated in the Big Bash League during the same period. Nevertheless, the PCB allowed his selection in the T20 squad for the subsequent series in New Zealand.