Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf’s absence from the upcoming New Zealand T20I series has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially terminated Rauf’s contract due to his reported reluctance to participate in the Test series against Australia. However, with new management in place, his contract was eventually restored.
The decision not to include Rauf in the squad for the New Zealand series was met with curiosity, especially given his anticipated presence in the lineup. Wahab Riaz, a member of the selection committee, shed light on Rauf’s absence, citing his ongoing injury as the reason. Rauf sustained a shoulder injury during a match against Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League 2024, leading to his early exit from the tournament.
The medical panel estimated a recovery period of ‘four to six weeks’ for Rauf, indicating his unavailability for the New Zealand series. Despite more than a month passing since his injury, Rauf’s fitness remains a concern. This development has led fans to question whether Rauf’s omission from the squad is deliberate, especially given Riaz’s pivotal role in terminating his contract.
The plot included Rauf’s reported denial to play the Test series against Australia, and his decision did not go well with Wahab, the chief selector back then. Notably, Rauf has played only one Test since his international appearance and is clearly a white-ball player.
Back then, Wahab stated,
“We spoke to Haris Rauf about this tour two days ago, and he gave his consent to playing Tests for Pakistan. However, he changed his mind last night and didn’t want to be a part of this Australia Test series,” Riaz said.
“He was worried about fitness issues and workload. We gave him assurances that we will facilitate him and accept any potential failures. Our physio said he has no injury concerns. He is fatigued, but we could have managed him well. However, he pulled out and is unavailable for this tour. I think this could hurt Pakistan cricket.
“We spoke to the captain and coach, and they wanted to utilise Haris Rauf as an impact player in Test cricket. We weren’t demanding more than 10-12 overs a day from him, which he has done in ODIs. Our frontline Test bowling options who bowl 140+ and can create an impact are unfit, all three of them. As a player, I think you need to sacrifice in such a situation and look to play for Pakistan rather than moving back.”
In Rauf’s absence, the Pakistan squad for the New Zealand series comprises a formidable lineup under the captaincy of Babar Azam. Players like Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, and Shaheen Afridi bring experience and skill to the team, supported by emerging talents such as Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan.
The schedule for Pakistan vs. New Zealand T20I series has been finalized, with the first three matches set to take place in Rawalpindi on April 18th, 20th, and 21st. The series will then move to Lahore for the remaining two matches scheduled for April 25th and 27th.
Pakistan squad for New Zealand series
Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir
Non-travelling reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha
Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series schedule
14 April — New Zealand arrive in Pakistan
16-17 April — Training/practice
18 April — 1st T20I, Rawalpindi
20 April — 2nd T20I, Rawalpindi
21 April — 3rd T20I, Rawalpindi
25 April — 4th T20I, Lahore
27 April — 5th T20I, Lahore
As anticipation builds for the thrilling encounters between Pakistan and New Zealand, Rauf’s absence leaves fans pondering the implications for the team’s performance. With speculation surrounding his exclusion, all eyes will be on the remaining squad members as they aim to deliver strong performances and secure victories against their formidable opponents.
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