Haris Rauf gives clarification on refusing to play Australia Test series

Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has responded to PCB notice over refusing to be part of Pakistan Test squad for Australia series.

PCB had reacted sharply to Haris Rauf turning down an offer to be part of the squad for a three-test series in Australia beginning in Perth on December 14.

Haris came in for criticism from chief selector Wahab Riaz, while team director Mohammad Hafeez told players they must put national team duty above franchise cricket.

According to a report, Haris has cited the reason of withdrawal for not having enough red-ball practice on the back.

The News has reported that the 30-year-old, who just began his international career four years ago, is disturbed and upset by the unfair criticism coming from all sides.

The pacer wanted to be in the best of shape mentally, physically, and form-wise to restart playing Test cricket.

Meanwhile Rauf, fellow fast bowler Zaman Khan and leg-spinner Usama Mir have been cleared to play in the Big Bash competition until Dec. 28, the board said in a statement on Monday.

“The PCB understands that this decision is in the best interests of all the stakeholders involved while balancing the importance of game time with workload management,” it added.

Haris can play a maximum of five matches for Melbourne Stars, who play their last group match on Jan. 15. He is then likely to join the Pakistan squad for a five-match T20 International series in New Zealand beginning on January 12.