After receiving a written apology, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reinstated the central contract of their premier fast-bowler, Haris Rauf.
The pacer from Rawalpindi had his contract terminated following Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in February. This was done on disciplinary grounds as he had made himself unavailable for their tour of Australia citing a heavy workload and his contract with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League.
Speaking at a press conference, the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed there was a misunderstanding. He said, “After receiving his written reply the board has decided to restore his central contract.”
Follow all the action from IPL 2024, including the IPL 2024 Schedule and IPL 2024 Points Table. Also, check Players vying for IPL 2024 Orange Cap and IPL 2024 Purple Cap
The Chairman also revealed that Haris had written that he remained committed to playing for Pakistan and his point was misunderstood but accepted his error regardless.
Naqvi concluded by saying,” So we have decided to restore his central contract. We are also worried about Haris Rauf’s fitness because he was injured during the PSL and we need to take proper care of him”.
READ MORE: A Blockbuster Picture of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli from IPL 2024 Opener, Courtesy CSK
Rauf has been a mainstay in Pakistan’s white-ball teams. In the shortest format, the pacer has picked up 90 wickets in just 66 games played at an economy of 8.2 runs per over.
In the ODI format, he has played a total of 37 games where he has taken 69 wickets at an economy rate of 5.9 runs per over.
The Pakistan team are under a massive rebuild as they removed Babar Azam as their captain following their disastrous 2023 ODI World Cup campaign where they failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament.
READ MORE: ‘On-off Karke Try Kare?’: Spider Cam Breakdown Delays Play in Jaipur, Rajasthan Royals Give ‘Indian’ Solution
The bowling unit was under fire as other than Shaheen Afridi, no one else failed to make a major impact in the tournament. Rauf in particular had a poor outing. In the nine games he played in the tournament, he picked up 16 wickets but failed to make much of an impact for his side throughout the marquee event.
Pakistan will have a five-match T20I series against New Zealand which begins on April 18 and will serve as a preparatory series as they gear up for the T20 World Cup 2024 in June which is hosted by the West Indies and the United States of America.
(with PTI Inputs)
Comments
0 comment