Haris Rauf’s PCB contract restored, Shaheen Afridi’s future as captain in doubt

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has revealed that the decision on the future of pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s captaincy will be taken after their national training camp in Kakul.

Shaheen had replaced Babar Azam as Pakistan’s T20I captain after their dismal showing in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Meanwhile, PCB restored fast-bowler Haris Rauf’s central contract after receiving a written request from him. Rauf had opted out of Pakistan’s Test series against Australia and played in the Big Bash League. PCB took action and decided to not give him NOCs for foreign leagues until June this year.

Speaking at a press-conference, Naqvi said the selection committee would take a call on Shaheen’s future as Pakistan’s captain after their training camp. Since taking on as Pakistan’s skipper, he lost the five-match T20I series against New Zealand 1-4 and finished last with Lahore Qulandars in the 2024 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“The selection committee and board is working on two or three things and the selectors will take a decision on the captaincy after the training camp in Kakul. The selection committee has to do some brainstorming and sit together and decide on the captain,” said Naqvi.

HARIS RAUF’S PCB CONTRACT RESTORED

Rauf, who has been on the sidelines since picking up a shoulder injury while playing for Lahore Qalanders in PSL 2024, has been granted a central contract by the PCB. Speaking to the press, Naqvi confirmed that the board has decided to restore Rauf’s contract after receiving a written request from the pacer.

“After receiving his written reply the board has decided to restore his central contract. So we have decided to restore his central contract. We are also worried about Haris Rauf’s fitness because he was injured during the PSL and we need to take proper care of him,” said Naqvi.

Prior to being injured in the PSL, Rauf had picked two wickets in four matches in the competition at an economy of 9.42. In the match against Karachi Kings, Rauf picked one wicket while giving away 22 runs in his four overs.