Wahab Riaz takes U-turn on his opinion regarding Haris Rauf’s participation in BBL

Pakistan cricket team’s chief selector Wahab Riaz has taken a complete U-turn on his opinion regarding the ace pacer Haris Rauf’s participation in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023/24. Rauf had opted out of the series against Australia to take part in the BBL. Back then, Riaz had criticized the decision of Rauf. But in the latest developments, Riaz seems to be backing the move of Rauf, as he has defended the NOC allotted to the Pakistani pacer.

Wahab stated that Rauf will not be playing any series from December till the start of the series against New Zealand, which would be about 1.5 months from here. “From now until the New Zealand series, there is a gap of 1.5 months during which Haris Rauf isn’t playing any cricket. His contract with Cricket Australia for the Big Bash comprises only 5 games,” said Riaz.

Riaz added that since Rauf does not have any cricket for him apart from the league he is currently taking part in, Pakistan would not hesitate to give him the NOC. “Considering the thought that there won’t be any cricket for 1.5 months and he’s a fast bowler, to ensure he maintains his rhythm, we have given him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from December 7th to 28th,” added Wahab.

‘He can then travel with the Pakistan team for the New Zealand tour’ – Wahab Riaz

Riaz concluded by saying that Rauf can take part in the series against New Zealand, as he can play 5 matches in the BBL and join the squad later after being allotted with the NOC. “This will cover his 5 Big Bash matches so that he can then travel with the Pakistan team for the New Zealand tour. This is the science behind giving him the NOC,” Pakistan’s chief selector concluded.

Pakistan will be taking part in a T20I series against New Zealand next year, after the conclusion of the Asian side’s tour of Australia. After the decision of Babar Azam to step down from his leadership, Pakistan has appointed Shaheen Afridi as the new T20I captain of the side. Shaheen is likely to lead Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024. His first assignment would be to lead Pakistan against New Zealand.