Sameen Rana, the owner of Lahore Qalandars, strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its handling of Haris Rauf. Rana expressed uncertainty about the correctness of removing Rauf from the contract but emphasized that the timing was inappropriate and had a psychological impact on the player.
Haris Rauf has become a prominent figure in Pakistan cricket, facing repercussions after opting out of the recent Test series against Australia, which Pakistan lost 3-0. The PCB, in response, removed him from the national contract and imposed restrictions on his participation in overseas leagues until June 30, 2024. Despite Rauf’s intention to prioritize white-ball cricket and care for his body, the PCB, after consulting various stakeholders, made the decision without considering his perspective.
Sameen Rana, praising Haris Rauf as their premier bowler, lamented that the PCB’s decision has had a detrimental psychological effect on the fast bowler. He criticized the public humiliation of Rauf by the governing body, asserting that such treatment would never be tolerated in his own approach to managing employees. Rana shared his discontent in an interview with ESPNCricinfo.
The timing of the announcement was entirely unwarranted. There were no imminent Pakistan series or emergency situations that justified making the announcement just two days before the PSL. Regardless of the rationale, the timing was highly detrimental. It dealt a significant psychological blow to Haris Rauf, whose primary life goal is playing for Pakistan.
Rauf holds a crucial role as our premier bowler and stands as our highest wicket-taker after Shaheen Afridi. The public humiliation through the press release terminating his central contract is unprecedented in my experience; I have never witnessed such treatment anywhere. I firmly believe in treating my employees with respect, and this approach was certainly not reflective of that ethos.”
Sameen Rana emphasized that Haris Rauf was deeply affected by the PCB’s treatment. At Lahore Qalandars, Rana took on the additional responsibility of uplifting the pacer. He expressed his confusion about the PCB’s decision and highlighted the emotional toll it took on Haris, who is naturally sensitive.
Sameen Rana acknowledged the team’s effort to motivate and support Rauf, especially given his return to form and outstanding performances before a subsequent injury. Despite Rauf’s recent struggles in the ongoing PSL 2024, Rana noted that external factors, such as injuries, were beyond their control.
As the tournament progresses, Haris Rauf aims to bounce back strongly, and the team remains committed to supporting him in the remaining matches of the season.
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