Reports: Haris Rauf's central contract likely to be restored after fast bowler's appeal

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf’s central contract was terminated on February 15, two days ahead of the ongoing Pakistan Super League 2024, as he withdrew from the three-match Test series against Australia in December-January to play in the Big Bash League 2023-24 representing Melbourne Stars. However, in a major development, Rauf’s contract might get renewed after the cricketer appealed against the stance taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

According to reports, PCB’s legal team is reviewing his appeal and there are high chances of his contract getting restored. Rauf's contract was terminated with effect from December 1, 2023, following a hearing process conducted by a committee within the PCB.

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"There are chances that the appeal might be accepted, and his contract restored,” a PCB source was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. 

Along with terminating the fast bowler’s contract, the PCB also prohibited him from obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in overseas T20 leagues until June 30, 2024. The 30-year-old was recently ruled out of the PSL 2024 after he dislocated his shoulder during the third match of Lahore Qalandars playing against Karachi Kings on February 24.

Additionally, the source disclosed that Rauf filed his appeal through his attorney, citing the clauses that hindered his participation in the Test series against Australia.

After skipping the Australia series, Rauf played the five-match T20I series against New Zealand but faced a tough time on the field. The speedster leaked 161 runs in 15.1 overs bowled across four matches at an economy rate of 10.61 and picked seven wickets at an average of 23.

Qalandars owner Sameen Rana lambasts PCB

In another notable development, PCB is reportedly displeased with the remarks made by Qalandars’ owner Sameen Rana, who condemned the cricket board for subjecting Rauf to public ridicule.

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"Rauf's our premier bowler, our highest wicket-taker after Shaheen Afridi. To publicly humiliate him and issue a press release announcing the termination of his central contract, I have never seen this happen anywhere," Rana had said in the interview.

"I would never treat my employees like that. The employee at least has the right for you to call, email or message them. None of that happened with Rauf, and it was pathetic. It was really poor management,” Rana added.