PCB Set To Delay Giving NOC To Haris Rauf For BBL 2023-24 Season: Reports

Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf might get his NOC late for participating in the upcoming Big Bash League season. The pacer ditched PCB’s request to play in the upcoming Test series against Australia.

As a result, PCB now might give the NOC required for him to play for the Melbourne Stars in the league who signed him as a marquee player. As per reports in ESPN Cricinfo, Rauf’s NOC is almost certain to be delayed until at least December 11, four days after the start of the league.

Meanwhile, the official reason is said to be the National T20 Cup in Pakistan, in which Rauf is expected to feature and play the entire league. The league finishes on December 10 and the Pakistan pacer is expected to get his NOC for BBL the next day.

Last week, Wahab Riaz, the newly appointed PCB Chairman said that Hairid Rauf denied PCB’s request to be available for the Test series against Australia. He did not shy away from expressing his displeasure at Rauf’s denial though both parties had different versions of the same story.

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Meanwhile, Rauf’s absence is set to affect Star’s bowling lineup who signed him as a marquee player. Moreover, the Pakistan pacer was initially expected to be unavailable for the league given Pakistan’s upcoming five-match T20 series in New Zealand in mid-January. However, Rauf’s delay is now inevitable and his availability is not yet known.

Cricket Australia Using Hairs Rauf’s Popularity As A Marketing Tool In BBL

Haris Rauf’s name and availability has been used as a marketing tool as well by Cricket Australia. They are targeting the South Asian audience by introducing a certain “House of Rauf” Membership on sale for the first three games at the MCG this year, as well as “Haris Rauf Bay”, a specifically dedicated seating zone.

In case Rauf’s NOC availability continues. it might also raise concerns between the board and its centrally contracted players. Just before the World Cup, the players and the board were at loggerheads over change in central contracts. Meanwhile, the BBL 2023-34 season will be played from December 7, 2023-January 24,. 2024.

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