LAHORE: Fast bowler Haris Rauf has been penalised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), 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 Haris 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.”

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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.

Wahab Riaz, while announcing the squad, told during the press conference that Haris Rauf was in the plans for the Test series against Australia, however, he changed his mind at the last minute.

“We spoke to Haris Rauf about this tour, and he gave his consent to participate in the Test series. However, he changed his mind later and opted to back out of the series,” Wahab Riaz said.

Wahab Riaz further explained the reason for Haris Rauf opting to stay out and his fitness condition.

“He was worried about fitness issues and workload, although we gave him assurances that we would facilitate him and accept any potential failures,” said Riaz.

“Our physio said he has no injury concerns. He is only fatigued, but we could have managed him well. However, he pulled out and is unavailable for this tour.”

Notably, Haris Rauf has represented Pakistan in a single test against England in the home Test series in 2022, where he picked his only Test wicket.

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