Shaheen Afridi supports Haris Rauf; targets PCB's timing to terminate contract before PSL 2024

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has terminated pacer Haris Rauf’s central contract just before PSL 2024. However, T20I skipper Shaheen Afridi has questioned PCB’s timing to enforce the suspension. Shaheen Afridi also said that Harif Rauf is always ready to play for Pakistan.

The PCB has also suspended Haris Rauf from playing in any foreign T20 league before June 30, 2024. PCB has denied him the no objection certificate (NOC) till that time. The rule comes after Haris Rauf refrained from participating in the Australia vs Pakistan Test series in December last year.

Haris Rauf opted to play in the Big Bash League during that period. He was part of the Melbourne Stars team in the Big Bash League 2023-24. Due to Rauf’s ouster from the Australia tour, Pakistan played inexperienced pacers like Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, and Aamer Jamal in his absence. Pakistan faced a humiliating 3-0 defeat in the Test series.

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Shaheen Afridi questions PCB’s timing to terminate Haris Rauf’s contract

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi has questioned PCB’s timing to terminate Haris Rauf’s contract. The latter is part of the Lahore Qalandars team in PSL 2024, which is led by skipper Shaheen Afridi. While speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Afridi said the timing of the decision was not correct.

“I don’t have much to say about the PCB’s decision. But the timing is such that we have a match in one day and the decision just came through”, the Pakistan T20I skipper said.

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Haris Rauf always ready to play for Pakistan: Afridi

Shaheen Afridi, who led Lahore Qalandars to the PSL trophy last season, also noted Haris Rauf is a mentally strong boy and the decision will not affect him. He also said that Rauf is always ready to play for the Pakistan National Cricket Team.

“Haris is a mentally strong boy and this won’t affect him hopefully, and perhaps the PCB will also understand that making the decision at this time was not correct. Haris is doing fine; he’s always ready to play for Pakistan,” the Lahore Qalandars captain further added.

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Haris Rauf hunted the most wickets for Lahore Qalandars last season

Haris Rauf is a crucial pacer for Lahore Qalandars. Last season, he was the leading wicket-taker for the side. He hunted 17 wickets in 13 games averaging 25. Qalandars also won the trophy last season and Rauf played a major role in their quest for the title.

Meanwhile, PSL 2024 is set to commence on Saturday, February 17. Lahore Qalandars will lock horns with Islamabad United in the PSL 2024 opener. The encounter will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, which is the home ground of Lahore Qalandars. Shadab Khan leads Islamabad United.