Haris Rauf's participation in the current Pakistan Super League 2024 (PSL) was cut short by a shoulder injury, sidelining him from the tournament.
The injury occurred while Rauf was fielding in a match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings on February 24. It happened in the final over when Rauf, after delivering his four overs, attempted a running catch from long-off. Despite successfully catching the ball, he fell forward in an awkward manner.
Rauf was visibly in pain immediately following the incident and had to exit the field. Subsequently, the Qalandars announced that he had dislocated his shoulder, estimating a recovery period of four to six weeks. During PSL 2024, Haris Rauf appeared in four matches and secured two wickets.
“The medical panel, after consultation, concluded that he needs four to six weeks to recover, forcing him to miss the PSL season,” the Qalandars said in a statement.
Lahore Qalandars to bear Haris Rauf's injury expense
The Lahore Qalandars are actively involved in Haris Rauf's recovery, taking on the responsibility for his treatment. According to a Cricket Pakistan report, the franchise is covering all costs related to the fast bowler's recovery.
It was also mentioned that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not contributed financially to Rauf's treatment, and the PCB’s medical team has refrained from offering any guidance to him. This follows the PCB's decision to end Rauf's central contract last month.
Rauf faces PCB's brunt
The PCB's action was in response to Rauf's choice to not join the team for the Test series in Australia. Additionally, Rauf has been denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play in international leagues until June 30 of this year. Lahore Qalandars' owner, Sameen Rana, recently voiced strong criticism towards the PCB for their handling of Haris Rauf, particularly condemning the timing of the contract termination announcement right before the PSL began.
“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.
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