Haris Rauf's Pakistan career uncertain due to strained relationship with chief selector Wahab Riaz?

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Wahab Riaz, the new chief selector of Pakistan cricket team, has sent out a stern warning to Haris Rauf after accusing him of pulling out of the Test series against Australia after committing to play earlier.

Wahab Riaz said that the express pacer agreed to feature in the 3-Test series against Pakistan starting December 14, but later changed his mind citing fitness concerns and workload management.

"We spoke to Haris Rauf for this tour. When we spoke to him two days ago, he gave his consent to play Test cricket for Pakistan. But last night he changed his mind, and now he doesn't want to be part of this Test series. I'm revealing this because we should be honest with officials, team-mates, and the public," Wahab Riaz said while announcing the 18-member squad.

"We spoke to Haris and he was worried about his body and fitness, as well as his workload. Mohammad Hafeez and I sat with him and tried to facilitate him in every way. We told him even if he didn't perform well there, we would accept it.

"Our physio spoke to him and said he wouldn't expect any issue or injury. Of course there's fatigue, but we were sure we could have managed that very well. But he pulled out at the last moment and he made himself unavailable. I think this will hurt Pakistan cricket," he added.

Haris Rauf's Pakistan career in danger due to Wahab Riaz?

Wahab Riaz minced no words in stating that Haris Rauf is a centrally contracted player and being available and making sacrifices for Pakistan is his duty. The 36-year-old added that Rauf should have agreed to play in the absence of Naseem Shah, Muhammad Hasnain and Ihsanulla who are recovering from injuries.

"I just told you a short version of what Haris and I spoke about," he said. "We spoke to the captain and coach, and we said we view Haris Rauf as an impact bowler. We weren't demanding more than 10-12 overs a day.

"The only issue is when you say you're available for Pakistan, especially at a time when our three main high-pace bowlers, who can bowl over 140 [kph] other than Haris are unavailable. At some point, you need to sacrifice to play for your country. Haris was committed to us, and pulled out after two days.

"I've played with most of these boys and I have a great relationship with them," Wahab said. "But when it comes to professionalism, we have to look at what's best for Pakistan. Haris was unavailable after the England series and not a part of any other Test series.

"When you are a centrally contracted player, it is your duty to serve Pakistan. I'm not disappointed, but the same players will later complain they weren't given the opportunity, and people will ask why such and such player wasn't selected," Wahab Riaz said.

At last, Wahab Riaz made it clear that players not giving priority to Pakistan will not be prioritised in the future. He said he would respect those willing to play red-ball cricket for Pakistan as it makes a bowler better.

“Any player, no matter who he is or how big a player he is, if he is not giving priority to the Pakistan team then he will not feature in our future plans,” he added.

Notably, Haris Rauf is a marquee player for Big Bash League (BBL) team Melbourne Stars. The league starts on December 13 and runs until February 4, overlapping with all three Tests in Australia. It remains to be seen if Rauf gets a No-Objection Certificate from PCB without any fuss.