LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reinstated the central contract of fast bowler Haris Rauf, which was terminated last month.
During a press conference on Sunday, the Chairman of PCB, Mohsin Naqvi, announced the reinstatement of Rauf’s central contract following an appeal by the pace bowler.
“We have got a letter from Haris Rauf, in which he has written that there was a misunderstanding and he made a wrong decision. After we got his letter in writing, we have restored his central contract,” Naqvi said.
“We are currently working on his injury. He is our star player and we have to look after him,” he added.
The star fast bowler is currently recovering from a shoulder injury, which he suffered during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9.
However, the chairman also emphasized that no player would receive any exemptions in NOCs.
“There will be no relaxation on NOCs. We will follow policies as per the contracts. No player will be exempted. We will not be paying heed to any lobbying.”
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For the unversed, Haris Rauf was penalised by the PCB last month, following a probe into his refusal to join Pakistan’s Test squad for the tour of Australia 2023-24.
The decision came after the PCB committee conducted a hearing and allowed Rauf to explain his stance, however, his response failed to satisfy the committee.
“After a thorough hearing process conducted by a PCB committee and taking into consideration the views of all stakeholders involved in the matter, Haris’ 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 of PCB said.
“The PCB management provided a chance for a personal hearing to Haris in compliance with the principles of natural justice on 30 January 2024 and his response was found unsatisfactory.
“The PCB states that playing for Pakistan is the ultimate honour and privilege for any sportsperson.
“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 is worth mentioning that the issue arose ahead of the Australian tour last year when Haris Rauf pulled out of the Test series at the last minute citing fitness concerns.
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