LAHORE: Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Melbourne Stars find themselves in Limbo over the availability of pacer Haris Rauf as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) delays issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for his participation in the tournament’s 13th edition.
Rauf, who withdrew from Pakistan’s Test against Australia series, faced uncertainties about his involvement in the league despite his prior commitment.
The Melbourne Stars recently summoned England's Olly Stone, who has already landed in Melbourne for the BBL. However, Rauf's situation remains unresolved, as he awaits PCB's permission to join the league.
Additionally, the PCB had earlier signalled intentions to formulate a policy concerning NOCs for cricketers participating in international leagues. Despite this announcement, there hasn't been any official communication or release of the said policy by the cricket board.
Rauf, Usama Mir, and Zaman Khan hold contracts for the BBL and are eagerly awaiting clarity on their participation. Furthermore, the Melbourne Stars' roster includes recently retired Imad Wasim.
As of now, Rauf's inclusion in the upcoming BBL games remains uncertain, pending the awaited decision by the PCB.
During the squad's announcement for the Australia Test, Wahab Riaz, Pakistan's recently appointed chief selector, revealed that Rauf had declined participation in Pakistan's Test series in Australia slated for December-January.
Wahab openly expressed his displeasure at Rauf's decision, yet both sides disagree on the specific events leading up to this point.
Reportedly, the 30-year-old never agreed to play Test cricket in Australia, citing his inexperience in the format.
Rauf told Wahab that he hasn’t played much Test cricket and it would be better if he worked on his white-ball game and the fitness.
Initially, it was assumed Rauf would only miss the BBL during Pakistan's five-match T20 series in New Zealand in mid-January. However, further delays will disrupt the league's plans.
Melbourne Stars had also introduced special memberships named "House of Rauf" for the initial three games at the MCG this year, as well as the dedicated seating zone called Haris Rauf Bay.
Ongoing contract discussions between the PCB and the players encountered obstacles, partly due to disagreements over the number of foreign leagues players could participate in annually.
It's understood they settled on a limit of two leagues, subject to the PCB issuing an NOC for participation.
The BBL is scheduled to run from December 7, 2023, to January 24 next year.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.