Istafa Ali
Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf can face a downgrade in his central contract. This decision came as a consequence of Rauf’s decision of refusing to play in the three match test series against Australia starting from the next month. The fast bowler will also be denied of permission to play at the Big Bash T20 Australian league.
According to sources, few officials of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), are not happy with Haris Rauf’s decision of opting the Big Bash T20 league over international duties. Along with the pacer, PCB isn’t also happy about his coach and mentor Aqib Javed, who supported the fast bowler’s decision. Aqib Javed and Haris Rauf both are a part of Lahore Qalandar’s franchise.
Pakistan team’s Chief selector Wahab Riaz hit out at Haris Rauf who initially agreed on been a part of the test team for the Australian tour. Just after two days Rauf made himself unavailable for the squad, stating the workload and fitness concerns as a fast bowler.
Wahab Riaz, who himself is a fast bowler and has represented Pakistan in three World Cups said that as a central contracted player Haris must be available for the team.
“I and the Director of Pakistan team, Muhammad Hafeez, we went and spoke to him in detail and told him that both the captain and coach wanted him (Haris) to play in Australia as he was an impact bowler and we assured him he would not bowl more then 10-12 overs in a day in Australia,” Wahab had said at his press conference while announcing the squad for Australia.
“We also spoke to the team physio and trainer and they said Haris had no fitness issues and there would be no problem with him in Australia,” Wahab said.
Hours later Haris Rauf gave a statement that he never made himself unavailable for test matches, he just said that he wants to focus more on the white ball cricket and will manage the workload accordingly.
