Pakistan chief selector Wahab Riaz reconsiders his criticism of Haris Rauf; Defends NOC given to pacer for BBL 2023-24

The Pakistan cricket team will embark on a three-match Test series against Australia in Perth from December 16. The Men in Green have yet to win a Test series in Australia and this time they are aiming to script history. In his first appointment as captain, left-handed batter Shan Masood will lead a strong 18-member squad. However, their pace attack will lose a bit of sharpness this time around as Haris Rauf is not part of the tour.

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Currently the fastest bowler in the Pakistan team, Rauf has opted himself out of the Test series to manage his workload. His sheer pace can be deadly in Australian conditions if executed well. His decision to stay out of action invited criticism from many, including from newly appointed Pakistan chief selector Wahab Riaz.

We gave him NOC to ensure he maintains his rhythm: Riaz

However, on Saturday, November 10, the former Pakistan pacer changed his mind and looked to defend the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued to Rauf to participate in the 2023-24 Big Bash League (BBL). Wahab said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given the NOC to ensure the 30-year-old seamer remains in top form ahead of the T20 series in New Zealand. 

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"From now until the New Zealand series, there is a gap of 1.5 months during which Haris Rauf isn’t playing any cricket. His contract with Cricket Australia for the Big Bash comprises only 5 games,” Wahab said speaking to reporters.

“Considering the thought that there won’t be any cricket for 1.5 months and he’s a fast bowler, to ensure he maintains his rhythm, we have given him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from December 7th to 28th. This will cover his 5 Big Bash matches so that he can then travel with the Pakistan team for the New Zealand tour. This is the science behind giving him the NOC," he continued

However, Wahab added that only those players who are preferred to play for the country will be considered in future. “Any player no matter who he is or how big a player is, if he is not giving priority to the Pakistan team then he will not feature in our future plans,” he said.

Pakistan squad for Australia Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi