Pakistan Cricket Board terminates Haris Rauf's central contract and makes him unavailable for overseas T20 franchise leagues until June 30 after fast bowler opted out of Test tour to Australia; PCB says Rauf's decision was "material violation of the central contract"
Thursday 15 February 2024 14:26, UK
Pakistan have terminated Haris Rauf's central contract after the fast bowler opted out of a three-Test series in Australia in December and January.
Rauf, 30, withdrew before the squad was announced, citing workload management and wanting to look after his body as the reasons, before subsequently playing four games in the Big Bash League for Melbourne Stars.
Pakistan lost their Test series in Australia 3-0.
A Pakistan Cricket Board statement released on Thursday confirmed the cancellation of Rauf's deal from December 1, 2023, with the organisation saying his explanations for sitting out the Australia series, delivered at a personal hearing, were "unsatisfactory".
The PCB will also not give the bowler clearance to play in any overseas T20 leagues until June 30, 2024.
"Playing for Pakistan is the ultimate honour and privilege for any sportsperson," said the PCB.
"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."
Rauf has only played one Test match for Pakistan, against England in December 2022, but has made 103 white-ball appearances for his country and featured in the five-match T20 series against New Zealand that followed the Australia tour.
The PCB has also parted ways with Mohammad Hafeez, who replaced Mickey Arthur as team director late last year.
"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 wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
"The PCB wishes Hafeez good luck and success in his future endeavours."
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