In a press conference held in Lahore, Chief Selector Wahab Riaz disclosed on Monday that Haris Rauf, a key fast bowler, will not be part of the upcoming Test series against Australia. This decision, according to Riaz, came as a surprise after Rauf had initially agreed to feature in the series just two days prior.
Riaz revealed that discussions with Rauf had taken place a couple of days ago, where the pacer had given his consent to play in the Australia series. However, he changed his mind overnight, expressing concerns about fitness issues and workload. Despite reassurances from the team management, including the physio confirming no injury concerns, Rauf decided to withdraw from the tour.
Rauf, who has played only one Test match for Pakistan, made his debut against England last year in Rawalpindi.
In light of Rauf’s withdrawal, the selectors have named three uncapped players in the 18-member squad for the test tour of Australia. Left-handed opening batter Saim Ayub, fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, and all-rounder Amir Jamal have earned their maiden call-ups after impressive performances in recent cricket tournaments.
Riaz acknowledged the absence of Rauf will affect the team combination, especially with three frontline fast bowlers—Naseem Shah, Ihsanullah, and Mohammad Hasnain—all ruled out of the tour due to injuries. The selectors have included Shahzad, a 23-year-old fast bowler, alongside experienced bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali. Jamal, who has represented Pakistan in T20s against England, is in the squad as a seam-bowling all-rounder.
