The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has granted fast bowler Haris Rauf permission to play in Australia’s Big Bash League on a restricted basis, putting an end to a stalemate with the player.
Rauf attracted the PCB’s fury after declining an invitation to join the squad for a three-test series in Australia, which begins on December 14 in Perth.
Chief selector Wahab Riaz chastised Haris, while team director Mohammad Hafeez advised players to prioritise national team duties over franchise cricket.
Rauf, fellow fast bowler Zaman Khan, and leg-spinner Usama Mir have been authorised to play in the Big Bash League until December 28, according to a statement issued by the board on Monday.
“The PCB understands that this decision is in the best interests of all the stakeholders involved while balancing the importance of game time with workload management,” according to the statement.
Haris is limited to five appearances for the Melbourne Stars, who play their last group encounter on January 15. He will then most likely join Pakistan’s side for a five-match T20 International series in New Zealand, which begins on January 12.
The Stars take on the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League opener on Thursday.