PCB terminates Haris Rauf’s central contract

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday terminated Haris Rauf’s central contract.

The decision was taken after a committee formed by the PCB conducted a thorough hearing process and probe into the matter.

The national cricket governing body in a statement said, “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.”

“Haris’s 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,” the statement added.

It stated that the PCB management provided a chance for a personal hearing to Rauf in compliance with the principles of natural justice on 30 January 2024 and his response was found unsatisfactory.

“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,” it added.

Fact pacer excused himself from playing for Pakistan in the away Test series against Australia — played from December 2023 to January 2024, and instead packed his bags to leave for the Big Bash League (BBL), which was also taking place in the same country.

30-year-old a week before the Australia Test tour, cited not having enough red-ball practice on the back as a reason for his withdrawal in a reply submitted to the PCB over a show cause notice.