Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday (February 15) terminated speedster Haris Rauf’s central contract that dates from December 1, 2023.

The PCB took this decision after the right-arm quick refused to join Pakistan’s Test squad for the 2023-24 tour of Australia.

The board was unhappy with the fact that Rauf did not provide any “medical report or justifiable reason” before pulling out of the red-ball series, which Pakistan lost 0-3.

The PCB also denied NOC (No objection certificate) to Rauf to take part in overseas T20 leagues until June 30, 2024.

While Pakistan played the Test series Down Under, Haris Rauf represented the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League 2023-24.

“After a thorough hearing process conducted by a PCB committee and taking into consideration the views of all stakeholders involved in the matter, Haris’ central contract has been terminated from December 1, 2023 and no NOC (No objection certificate) to play any foreign league will be granted up to June 30, 2024,” PCB’s statement read.

“The PCB management provided a chance for a personal hearing to Haris in compliance with the principles of natural justice on 30 January 2024 and his response was found unsatisfactory.”

“The PCB states that playing for Pakistan is the ultimate honour and privilege for any sportsperson. Refusal to be part of Pakistan's Test squad in the absence of any medical report or justifiable reason is a material violation of the central contract,” the statement added.

While announcing the squad for Australia tour, chief selector Wahab Riaz had said that Haris Rauf initially agreed to play Test cricket but changed his decision later on.

"We spoke to Haris Rauf for this tour. When we spoke to him two days ago, he gave his consent to play Test cricket for Pakistan. But last night he changed his mind, and now he doesn't want to be part of this Test series. I'm revealing this because we should be honest with officials, teammates, and the public. We spoke to Haris and he was worried about his body and fitness, as well as his workload. Mohammad Hafeez and I sat with him and tried to facilitate him in every way. We told him even if he didn't perform well there, we would accept it," Wahab had told the media.

Having made his international debut in January 2020, Rauf has played just one Test so far. He is renowned as a T20 specialist.