Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf reportedly contemplated retirement from international cricket late last year following criticism for opting out of the Test series in Australia. The disheartening feedback led Rauf to consider stepping away from the international stage, but he ultimately decided against it with the support and advice of his family and friends, as per a Pakistani media report.
The criticism arose ahead of Pakistan's three-Test series in Australia when it was revealed that Rauf withdrew from the tour after discussions with chief selector Wahab Riaz and team director Mohammad Hafeez. Riaz asserted that Rauf had initially agreed to be available for the Tests but later pulled out. Conversely, a source close to the right-arm pacer claimed that he never committed to participating in the series, citing concerns over fitness and workload management.
During the 50-overs World Cup in India, Rauf had previously expressed to former chief coach Mickey Arthur that his body wouldn't cope with the strain of such a workload. Despite Arthur's attempts to persuade Rauf to play the Tests in Australia, highlighting his ability to generate high pace, Rauf consistently declined, citing limited exposure in first-class cricket and fears of potential injuries.
In the sole Test Rauf played against England in December 2022, he suffered an injury after bowling just 13 overs. The report also mentioned that during the World Cup, the 30-year-old fast bowler had alerted the team management about his fitness and workload management concerns. Unfortunately, Haris Rauf earned the title of the most expensive bowler in World Cup history during Pakistan's nine games in India.
(With Agency Inputs)
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