In a twist that's as bizarre as it is controversial, Lahore Qalandars' boss Sameen Rana has thrown a spotlight on the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision-making, sharply criticising the revocation of Haris Rauf's central contract. The PCB's move came after Rauf opted out of Pakistan's 3-match Test series against Australia, stirring a pot of controversy just as the fast bowler was gearing up for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024.
"The timing of that announcement was wholly unnecessary. There was no Pakistan series coming up, or any emergency situation that necessitated the announcement two days before the PSL. Whatever the logic was, the timing was really bad. It was a huge blow psychologically for him, because his whole life's main aim is playing for Pakistan," Rana told ESPNcricinfo.
Rana slams PCB for mistreating Haris Rauf
Rana's scathing remarks didn't stop at the contract issue. He blasted the PCB for barring Rauf from participating in international T20 leagues until June 30, 2024, labeling the timing of such announcements as "poor" and "pathetic." According to Rana, this decision not only sidelined Rauf from crucial match practice but also subjected him to "public humiliation" during a pivotal moment of his career.
"Rauf's our premier bowler, our highest wicket-taker after Shaheen Afridi. To publicly humiliate him and issue a press release announcing the termination of his central contract, I have never seen this happen anywhere," Rana said.
"The employee at least has the right for you to call, email or message them. None of that happened with Rauf, and it was pathetic. It was really poor management," he added.
Haris Rauf currently sidelined with a shoulder injury
To add a layer of drama to Rauf's already tumultuous situation, a disastrous turn during a PSL match against Karachi Kings saw him dislocating his shoulder. This injury, spotlighted by a conspicuously bandaged shoulder, sidelined Rauf for 5 to 6 weeks, leaving fans and pundits alike in disbelief at the fast bowler's string of misfortunes.
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