Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf might see his recently terminated central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reinstated. Rauf had appealed the decision, which stemmed from his withdrawal from the Test series against Australia in favour of playing in the Big Bash League.
The PCB terminated Rauf’s contract on February 15th, just two days before the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) began. This decision also included a ban on him obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in overseas T20 leagues until June 30th, 2024.
However, reports indicate that the PCB’s legal team is reviewing Rauf’s appeal, raising the possibility of his contract being restored. An unnamed source within the PCB told Hindustan Times, “There are chances that the appeal might be accepted, and his contract restored.”
Rauf, who recently suffered a shoulder dislocation during the PSL, had also faced criticism for his performance in the subsequent T20I series against New Zealand. He conceded a significant number of runs and picked up wickets at a high average.
Meanwhile, Sameen Rana, owner of the Lahore Qalandars team that Rauf plays for, has criticized the PCB’s handling of the situation. He expressed disappointment at the public announcement of the contract termination and called the PCB’s approach “pathetic” and “poor management.”
The outcome of Rauf’s appeal is expected soon and could significantly impact his future participation in both national and overseas cricket leagues.