The PCB has emphasized that Pakistan, not T20 franchise competitions, should be the top goal for all Pakistani players. On the eve of the squad’s departure for Australia, team director Mohammad Hafeez made it very plain. This was especially important given that Haris Rauf was supposed to travel to the same nation later than planned, although to participate in the Big Bash League (BBL).
Due to a shift in team management and the adoption of new priorities, Rauf has found himself caught in the crossfire. After initially receiving criticism from Wahab Riaz, the new chief selector, for declining Australia’s selection to the Test squad, Rauf is now facing a postponement of his Melbourne Stars debut as he waits for a nod of approval.
Officially, the PCB states that Rauf’s decision is due to local obligations taking precedence, and he is now representing Islamabad in the National T20 Cup, which concludes on December 10.
In a Lahore press conference, Hafeez reiterated his commitment to Pakistan first and unveiled a new policy aimed at discouraging young cricket players from participating in T20 cricket too early in their careers.
Rauf has appeared in just one Test and nine first-class matches during his career, and is primarily considered a white-ball specialist for Pakistan. In the one Test he did play, against England in Rawalpindi last year, he bowled 13 overs in the first innings and none at all in the second. He was left out of the side for their last Test match, which took place in July in Sri Lanka.
Wahab, however, informed him that he would be chosen for Australia, an opportunity he declined. Hafeez claimed that although the exact account of events is up for debate, Rauf made a commitment to Wahab before breaking it.
“Haris Rauf went to the chief selector [Wahab Riaz] one evening and I think committed to Test cricket,” Hafeez stated. “Then, he decided not to play for an unknown cause. According to the physio’s reports, Haris has no problems being prevented from playing Test cricket. Therefore, it is incorrect to believe that someone is being forced to play tests or doesn’t want to.
“It is an individual act for someone to decide they don’t want to play red-ball cricket. The central contract was granted with the understanding that every player would be accessible for any format should we require them. Given that Haris Rauf has demonstrated an inability to participate in red-ball ricket, any decisions on central contracts will be made with Pakistan’s FTP obligations in mind. This will determine which individuals receive what contracts under which categories.”
Hafeez later clarified that the new policy will be compliant with the existing central contracts, however at first it appeared as though a new NOC policy would be on the way. Furthermore, his messaging does not necessarily contradict the rules set forth by the NOC in the current central contracts. These permit players to participate in up to two leagues annually outside of the PSL. Earlier this year, it was a major bargaining point between the players and the board. However, the contract makes it very clear that agreement from a number of parties, including the national team coach, selectors, and PCB departments, is required before a NOC can be formed. Hafeez’s remarks essentially stiffen the clearances that each and every NOC will want.
He emphasized that after accepting a central contract offer, a cricket player was presumed to be available for Pakistan throughout the year, across all formats.
“Pakistan’s representation is the top priority. Everything else follows after that. Pakistan is the top priority for all players, both domestically and centrally contracted.
According to what I gather, there is a good reason why you were given the opportunity to work on a central contract for Pakistan. With Pakistan’s FTP obligations in three formats in mind, the goal of giving it to the 20–25 players is to utilize their availability for play.
A different option now exists in the form of leagues. Regretfully, this was evident during the Asia Cup and World Cup; players were either not performing to par [because to leagues] or were injured as a result of excessive workloads.”
Hafeez has stated that when it comes to awarding NOCs for T20 leagues in the run-up to the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pakistan will give priority on workload management.
In a hint that it might not be easy for players like Rauf and others to get NOCs for the various competitions this winter, Hafeez stated that managing workloads will be crucial in light of the T20 World Cup the next year. Prior to the PSL in January, Pakistan is slated to play T20Is in New Zealand in addition to the Tests in Australia.
“As we approach the T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s needs will inform NOC policy. We must ensure that Pakistan’s players are fit if we want to guarantee their workloads. Pakistan must receive the most energy and availability possible. Should an opportunity arise for them to participate in league competition, it will undoubtedly be taken into consideration.
“The major contracts for this season have been announced, and everything will go as planned. That won’t be changing. However, as they are available for the FTP, that central contract was granted. Pakistani priorities will guide any action taken on NOCs. Nobody won’t be prevented from participating in leagues, but since Pakistan is the first priority, leagues cannot come first and Pakistan second with NOCs.”
Hafeez said that he wanted Under-19 players to focus on the “basics” of their game, which is why he had banned them from participating in the National T20 Cup and would do the same in the PSL.
“We’ll give them chances to play two- or three-day games so that the fundamentals of their game solidify. They were disqualified from playing in the National T20 for this reason. We’ll carry that out in the PSL as well.
The U-19 player must master the fundamentals before moving on to T20 cricket when he is psychologically, physically, and tactically mature. Regretfully, a sixteen-year-old plays and practices for four overs in Pakistan. He doesn’t believe that playing 20–25 overs is necessary. This change was brought about by us. Red-ball cricket is the direction we need to take U-19 cricket. We included a language stating that any U-19 player who want to play T20 cricket must have participated in ten first-class or non-first-class matches in order to be familiar with the fundamentals of the sport.”
