Haris Rauf Retains Central Contract After Admitting Mistake

With Haris Rauf back in the fold and Imad Wasim potentially returning, Pakistan’s cricketing future looks brighter.

Pakistan’s pace bowling stocks received a boost as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reinstated Haris Rauf’s central contract. This comes after Rauf appealed the termination of his contract in February following his refusal to join the Test squad for the tour of Australia.

The young pacer’s initial decision raised eyebrows within the cricketing community. However, Rauf expressed remorse and took responsibility for his actions. “We received a letter from Haris Rauf and we forwarded it to the tribunal,” stated PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. “He stated [in that letter] that there was a misunderstanding and made the wrong decision.”

This apology, coupled with Rauf’s undoubted talent, likely played a role in the PCB’s decision. Naqvi further emphasized the importance of Rauf, calling him a “star player” and confirming the board would address his recent elbow injury sustained while playing for the Lahore Qalandars in PSL 9.

The press conference also addressed the return of Imad Wasim, who recently reversed his retirement decision. Naqvi clarified that the discussions with Wasim revolved solely around his availability for the upcoming T20 World Cup. “Our main requirement right now is the World Cup,” said Naqvi. “We just asked Imad to come back and play, that’s it. There was no discussion of the NOC [for league cricket].”

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Naqvi also announced the formation of a new seven-member selection committee. This revamped committee features a mix of former cricketers, including Mohammad Yousuf, Wahab Riaz, Abdul Razzaq, and Asad Shafiq. The head coach, captain, and analyst will round out the committee, with two to three additional coordinators serving in a non-voting capacity.

With Haris Rauf back in the fold and Imad Wasim potentially returning, Pakistan’s cricketing future looks brighter. The newly formed selection committee will have the crucial task of selecting a strong squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.