(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf was so close to announcing his retirement from international cricket after he became a subject of heavy scrutiny as he decided to make himself unavailable for the three-match Test series against Australia.
As per a report from a Pakistani media outlet, Rauf contemplated retiring from international cricket due to the intense criticism that came his way. However, he cleared his mind from this thought after listening to the advice of his family and friends.
Notably, there was a huge uproar on Rauf’s unavailability after Pakistan chairman of selectors Wahab Riaz informed the media that the pacer was initially ready to play the series Down Under but opted out of it later on. But another report has denied this claim.
Rauf decided to not play the Test series citing his fitness concerns and workload management. He even discussed this with Mickey Arthur, former Pakistan team director, during the ODI World Cup 2023. Despite Arthur’s insistence, Rauf opted out of the series. Instead, he chose to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24.
In Rauf’s absence, the Pakistan squad featured Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Aamer Jamal and Khurram Shahzad as pacers. Pakistan lost the series 0-3.