Advertisement
Pakistan’s chief selector, Wahab Riaz, has defended the No Objection Certificate (NOC) granted to fast bowler Haris Rauf, shedding light on the decision that stirred controversy following Rauf’s withdrawal from the Test series in Australia.
Last month, Wahab openly criticized Haris Rauf for opting out of the Test series, questioning the pacer’s commitment to the national team. However, in a recent media interaction, Wahab explained that the NOC was strategically provided to maintain Haris’s form leading up to the T20 series in New Zealand.
Wahab emphasized the necessity of ensuring Haris remains in rhythm during the 1.5-month gap between engagements, noting that the fast bowler’s contract with Cricket Australia for the Big Bash League comprises only five games, spanning from December 7th to 28th.
Contrasting his earlier stance, Wahab clarified, “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.”
Wahab’s recent comments signify a shift from his earlier remarks on November 20, where he expressed disappointment over Haris’s unavailability for the Test series. At that time, he conveyed the importance of players prioritizing national duty and suggested that those unwilling to make sacrifices for the team would not be considered in future plans.