Reports: Haris Rauf considered retiring from international cricket amid criticism

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf recently revealed that he had thought about retiring from international cricket after facing criticism for opting out of the Test series against Australia in December 2023. The 30-year-old stated that he was demoralized by the hatred he received but changed his decision after receiving advice from his family and friends.

Notably, Rauf made himself unavailable for the recently concluded three-match Test series against Australia following discussions with chief selector Wahab Riaz and team director Mohammad Hafeez. Riaz had even disclosed the speedster had earlier expressed his desire to play in the series but later took a U-turn on his decision.

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However, some reports claimed that he never made any commitment to play in the series. Rauf cited workload management as the reason behind opting out of the all-important tour and is currently plying his trade in the Big Bash League 2023-24 for Melbourne Stars.

The speedster had even expressed his workload concerns to former chief coach Mickey Arthur during the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. The right-arm seamer had a forgettable tournament as he was the most expensive bowler of the cricketing extravaganza leaking 533 runs from nine innings and picking 16 wickets at an average of 33.31 and an economy of 6.74.

Haris Rauf suffered an injury in his only Test

During the tournament, Rauf informed Arthur that his body wouldn’t be able to withstand the heavy workload of bowling in three Tests due to his past experience of injuries while playing in the longest format. Notably, the fast bowler suffered an injury after bowling just 13 overs in the only Test of his career against England in December 2022.

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Hence, he was reluctant to play the Australia series despite being persuaded by Arthur. Meanwhile, in the Big Bash League 2023-24, Rauf has played four matches and scalped six wickets at an average of 16 and an economy of 8.