Pakistan Cricket Board might revise contract of star Pakistan player after refusing to play Tests in Australia

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf is at risk of facing a downgrade in his central contract and potential denial of permission to participate in the Big Bash League after opting out of the upcoming three-match Test series in Australia. According to a reliable source, certain senior officials in the Pakistan Cricket Board are displeased with Haris's decision and critical of statements made by his Lahore Qalandars coach, Aqib Javed, who supported the pace bowler.

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The new chief selector, Wahab Riaz who himself is a former fast bowler with three World Cup appearances, criticized Haris on Monday. Wahab emphasized that, being a centrally contracted player, Haris should have made himself available for the Test series, despite citing workload and fitness concerns.

"I and the Director of Pakistan team, Muhammad Hafeez, we went and spoke to him in detail and told him that both the captain and coach wanted him (Haris) to play in Australia as he was an impact bowler and we assured him he would not bowl more than 10-12 overs in a day in Australia. We also spoke to the team physio and trainer and they said Haris had no fitness issues and there would be no problem with him in Australia," Wahab had said at the press conference.

The Pakistan Cricket Board might revise his contract: Wahab Riaz

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Several hours later, sources quoting Haris in the Pakistani media stated that he had never expressed availability for the Tests and had informed the selectors about his intention to concentrate on white-ball cricket and manage his workload. Despite this clarification, the source indicated that the mere fact that Haris did not directly deny the allegations had led senior board officials to believe he was manipulating the situation and playing games with the board and selectors.

"There has been discussion that if Haris is only focused on white-ball cricket then the central contact given to him also needs to be reviewed since he was placed in category B which carries a monthly retainer of over 4 million rupees plus enhanced match fees, bonuses and a share in the PCB's share of ICC revenues. Those players were given top two categories who were considered all format players," the source said.

Riaz even mentioned that it is likely that the board may request Haris to provide his definitive decision regarding red-ball cricket and potentially revise his contract. Additionally, the player has the option of becoming a freelance player, similar to other international players like Trent Boult and Jason Roy and relinquishing the central contract back to the board.