The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken the decision to terminate the central contract of Haris Rauf due to a breach of obligations related to his refusal to participate in the test series against Australia.
According to an official statement from the PCB, Rauf’s contract termination is effective from December 1, 2023, and he has been barred from obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participating in any foreign league until June 30, 2024. This move follows a thorough investigation by a PCB committee, which considered the input of all relevant stakeholders.
Despite being provided with an opportunity for a personal hearing on January 30, Rauf’s response was deemed unsatisfactory by the PCB. The board underlined the significance of representing Pakistan in cricket as the “ultimate honour and privilege” for any athlete. The refusal to be part of the Test squad without a valid medical report or justifiable reason is considered a material violation of the central contract.
The decision comes in the aftermath of Pakistan’s comprehensive defeat in the test series against Australia, where they lost all three games. The PCB’s statement implies that Rauf’s absence was a contributing factor to the team’s poor performance. The termination of his central contract serves as a disciplinary measure, signaling the importance of commitment and adherence to obligations for players representing the national team. It also underscores the gravity of the situation by restricting Rauf’s participation in foreign leagues until a specified date, emphasizing the need for players to prioritize national duties.
