Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf is all set to return to the Melbourne Stars for the ongoing 10th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2020-21. He has confirmed his availability for the Stars in the BBL 10 on Friday (December 11).
Earlier, the 27-year-old speedster was to miss his second BBL season with the Melbourne Stars this year due to international commitments, but the confirmation of the dates of South Africa’s first tour of Pakistan since 2007 has opened a window for him to play for the Stars in BBL 10.
Rauf made his BBL debut with the Stars last season and proved to be a hit, finishing as the third-highest wicket-taker with 20 scalps including a hat-trick against Sydney Thunder and a fifer against Hobart Hurricanes in just 10 games in BBL 2019.
The fast bowler is currently in New Zealand with Pakistan’s squad to play in the three-match T20I series against the Black Caps starting December 18 followed by the second and final T20I on January 20 and January 22 respectively before the two-Test series starting January 3, 2021.
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However, it is unclear whether Rauf would stay for the Tests, but he is expected to arrive in Australia to join the Stars squad “in early January” for the BBL 2020-21, though, he must return to Pakistan “in early February” to complete his quarantine requirements and join Pakistan’s squad for their T20I series against South Africa starting February 11 at home.
Stars head coach Dave Hussey said: “Haris was one the best stories of last season and made an incredible contribution for us. His energy was fantastic for the team and we’re really pleased to have him coming back. Haris gives us another dimension and threat in our bowling attack with his raw pace.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistan bowler said of his return in a statement: “I’m very happy that I can come back to the Melbourne Stars this season and play at the MCG again. It was an unbelievable journey last season and changed my life in so many ways.”
Rauf signed off by saying, “The Stars fans were very supportive of me and I can’t wait to play in front of them again. The support of all the Pakistan community in Melbourne was fantastic and hopefully, we can put in some big performances this season.”
Noteworthy, Rauf becomes the third overseas player for the Stars after Andre Fletcher, who came in as a replacement for Jonny Bairstow and Nicholas Pooran in the BBL 10.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
