NEW DELHI:
Pakistan
fast bowler
Haris Rauf
had contemplated retirement from international cricket late last year after facing criticism for opting out of the Test series in Australia, according to a media report.
The report, sourced from a Pakistani media outlet, stated that Rauf was deeply disheartened by the backlash he received. However, after receiving advice from his family and friends, he decided against retiring.
The criticism came when Rauf withdrew from Pakistan's three-Test series in Australia after a discussion with chief selector
Wahab Riaz
and team director
Mohammad Hafeez
. Riaz claimed that Rauf had initially agreed to be available for the Tests but later backed out. However, another report, citing a close source to the fast bowler, stated that he had never made any commitment to play in the series.
Rauf cited concerns over his fitness and workload management as the reasons for his withdrawal. He had previously expressed these concerns to former chief coach
Mickey Arthur
during the 50-overs World Cup in India. Rauf had informed Arthur that his body would not be able to handle such a demanding workload. Despite Arthur's efforts to persuade him to play the Tests in Australia, Rauf consistently declined, citing his limited experience in first-class cricket and fears of potential injuries.
Unfortunately, Rauf's fears were realized when he suffered an injury after bowling just 13 overs in the only Test he played against England in December 2022. The report also mentioned that during the World Cup, the 30-year-old fast bowler had warned the team management about his fitness and workload management concerns.
Rauf's performance in the World Cup was also a topic of discussion, as he became the most expensive bowler in Pakistan's nine games in India. Despite this, it is notable that his decision to withdraw from the Test series in Australia was primarily driven by his concerns for his fitness and workload management.
It is important to note that Rauf had considered retirement due to the criticism he faced, but ultimately decided against it after receiving support and counsel from his loved ones.
(With inputs from PTI)
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