Pakistan Cricket Board Delays Granting NOC to World Cup Star, Causing Delay in BBL Participation: Report

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly set to delay the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) of fast bowler Haris Rauf for his participation in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL). According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Rauf’s NOC certificate is expected to be delayed until December 11, which is four days after the start of the league. It is uncertain whether the NOC will be issued immediately after this date.

The PCB wants Rauf to take part in the National T20 Cup in Pakistan, which is scheduled to end on December 10. As a result, the apex body of Pakistan cricket is holding onto the NOC certificate of the 30-year-old pacer. This decision has raised doubts about Rauf’s availability for the BBL, where he was expected to represent the Melbourne Stars.

This development comes after Pakistan’s chief selector, Wahab Riaz, criticized Rauf for withdrawing from the upcoming Test series against Australia. Riaz expressed his disappointment and mentioned that Rauf initially agreed to play Test cricket but later changed his mind, which would hurt the team.

Rauf’s performance in the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023 was also under scrutiny. In the tournament, he played nine matches, taking 16 wickets but conceding 533 runs with an economy rate of 6.74.

It remains to be seen whether the PCB will grant the NOC to Rauf after the conclusion of the National T20 Cup. The delay in issuing the NOC has put Rauf’s participation in the BBL in jeopardy, adding further uncertainty to his cricketing future.

(Note: This article has been rewritten based on the provided information. The headline has not been edited and the article is published from a syndicated feed.)