December 5, 2023

PCB Approves Haris Rauf for Short-Term Big Bash League Engagement

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has granted fast bowler Haris Rauf permission to participate in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) for a limited period, resolving a recent conflict between the board and the player.

Rauf, known for his prowess in white-ball cricket, came under scrutiny from the PCB after he declined an invitation to join the Pakistan squad for a three-match Test series in Australia. The series is set to commence in Perth on December 14. His decision to prioritize the BBL over the national team sparked a significant backlash from the PCB.

This decision drew sharp criticism from chief selector Wahab Riaz and team director Mohammad Hafeez. Riaz and Hafeez underscored the importance of prioritizing national team commitments over engagements with franchise cricket, emphasizing that representing Pakistan should take precedence over participating in domestic leagues.

Despite the initial controversy, the PCB has now approved Rauf, fellow fast bowler Zaman Khan, and leg-spinner Usama Mir to participate in the BBL until December 28. This approval allows Rauf to contribute to his BBL team while ensuring he remains available for future national duties, including the upcoming T20 International series in New Zealand.

“The PCB understands that this decision is in the best interests of all the stakeholders involved while balancing the importance of game time with workload management,” it added.

Haris Rauf is eligible to participate in up to five matches for the Melbourne Stars, with their final group game scheduled for January 15. Following this stint, he is expected to join the Pakistan squad for a five-match T20 International series in New Zealand, which starts on January 12.

The Melbourne Stars will kick off their Big Bash League campaign against the Brisbane Heat this Thursday.

‘We Gave Him NOC to Ensure…’: Wahab Riaz Backtracks After Criticizing Haris Rauf

December 10, 2023

Just days after voicing criticism towards Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf for opting out of the Test series in Australia, chief selector Wahab Riaz has now come forward to support the PCB’s decision to allow Rauf to participate in the Big Bash League (BBL).

Initially, Riaz strongly disapproved of Rauf’s decision to miss the three-match Test series, which will begin in Perth on December 14. The chief selector’s comments reflected a broader concern that national team commitments should precede participation in domestic leagues.

However, in a media briefing on Saturday, Riaz clarified his stance on the matter. He explained that the PCB’s decision to grant Rauf permission to play in the BBL was strategically made to ensure that Rauf remains in peak physical condition and maintains his competitive edge. This move will prepare him for the upcoming T20 International series in New Zealand, which starts in January.

Riaz emphasized that the BBL stint was not a sign of leniency but rather a calculated decision to balance Rauf’s participation in domestic leagues with his future national commitments. By staying active and competitive in the BBL, Rauf is expected to enter the T20 series in New Zealand with optimal form and fitness, thus benefiting both his personal performance and the national team’s prospects.

“From now until the New Zealand series, there is a gap of 1.5 months during which Haris Rauf isn’t playing any cricket. His contract with Cricket Australia for the Big Bash comprises only 5 games. Considering the thought that there won’t be any cricket for 1.5 months and he’s a fast bowler, to ensure he maintains his rhythm, we have given him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from December 7th to 28^th,” Riaz said.

“This will cover his 5 Big Bash matches so that he can then travel with the Pakistan team for the New Zealand tour. This is the science behind giving him the NOC,” he added.

Wahab’s remarks on the pacer highlighted a notable shift in his stance.

“Two days back he (Haris) told us he was available for the test series and last night he said he had worries over his workload and fitness issues so he was not available,” Wahab had said at the press conference on November 20.

“I and the Director of the Pakistan team, Muhammad Hafeez 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 than 10-12 overs in a day in Australia.

“As a centrally contracted player, we felt he should have not taken a step back. We felt Haris, if he wanted to play for Pakistan, should as a player be ready to make a sacrifice and play for the team,” the chief selector had said,” he added.

Interestingly, during his November 20 press conference, Wahab stated that, as a future policy, only players who prioritize national duties would be considered for selection.

“Any player no matter who he is or how big a player is, if he is not giving priority to the Pakistan team then he will not feature in our plans,” he added

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