wasim-akram-criticizes-haris-rauf-for-missing-test-series

Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram expressed concern over Haris Rauf’s decision to skip the imminent three-match Test series against Australia.

Akram stressed the importance of Test cricket in a cricketer’s career, advising Rauf to confront the challenges of the longest format if he aims to establish himself among the modern greats.

Asserting Rauf’s status as a contracted player, Akram acknowledged the controversies surrounding the speedster’s choice but didn’t hold back in emphasizing the significance of Test cricket.

“That’s his decision. He’s a contracted player, so there’s a lot of controversies back home,” Akram said. “There are some white-ball specialist cricketers in this day and age … if he thinks he’s not there as yet, then that’s his call,” he added.

Source: Cricinfo

He underlined the stark difference between the demands of Test cricket and the shorter formats, urging Rauf to reconsider his decision.

“Test cricket is a big boy’s game. It’s not just about bowling four overs; you’ve got to bowl eight-over spells. It’s a long race and to be remembered as a great, Test cricket is where it counts,” Akram emphasized.

Moreover, Wasim Akram advised Haris Rauf numerous times during the World Cup at a local TV show, to play the longer version of cricket to improve his overall game.

Notably, Chief Selector Wahab Riaz disclosed details of Rauf’s initial inclusion and subsequent refusal to participate in the Australia series due to workload concerns last month. Despite Rauf initially consenting to join the Test squad, he later altered his decision, opting out of the Australia Test series.

Riaz explained, “Haris Rauf was initially picked for the tour but withdrew, citing workload concerns. Although he had agreed to play Tests for Pakistan, he changed his mind and opted out of the Australia Test series.”

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