Shaheen Afridi slams PCB for timing of decision to revoke Haris Rauf's central contract: 'Not correct'

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Shaheen Afridi has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for timing of revoking teammate Haris Rauf's central contract for not making himself available for selection in the three-Test series against Australia in December-January.

Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf are part of the Lahore Qalandars squad in the IPL 2024. The Shaheen Afridi-led side will clash against Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 opener on Saturday, February 17.

"I don't have much to say about the PCB's decision. But the timing is such we have a match in one day and the decision just came through,” Shaheen told ESPNcricinfo.

The left-arm pacer expressed confidence that the entire development will not impact the performance of mentally strong Haris Rauf. He also said that the express pacer will be available to play for Pakistan in the future.

“Haris is a mentally strong boy and this won't affect him hopefully, and perhaps the PCB will also understand making the decision at this time was not correct. Haris is doing fine; he's always ready to play for Pakistan," he added.

Pakistan chief selector Wahab Riaz had slammed Haris Rauf for agreeing and then backing out from featuring in the three-Test series in Australia. Wahab wanted Rauf to play in the series in the absence of key pacers including Haris Rauf.

The 30-year-old instead got a NOC from PCB and opted to play for Glenn Maxwell-led Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24. Wahab backed the PCB decision to give NOC to Rauf, saying that it was important for the speedster to stay in rhythm for the T20I series against New Zealand in June.

But as things stand now, the PCB has revoked Rauf's central contract, and also barred him from taking part in overseas T20 leagues until June 30, 2024.