Pakistan’s cricket board (PCB) have given fast bowler Haris Rauf permission to make a limited appearance in Australia’s Big Bash League, ending a standoff with the player.<\/p>\n
White-ball specialist Rauf incurred the PCB’s wrath after turning down an offer to be part of the squad for a three-Test series in Australia beginning in Perth on Dec. 14.<\/p>\n
Haris came in for criticism from chief selector Wahab Riaz, while team director Mohammad Hafeez told players they must put national team duty above franchise cricket.<\/p>\n
Rauf, fellow fast bowler Zaman Khan and leg-spinner Usama Mir have been cleared to play in the Big Bash competition until Dec. 28, the board said in a statement on Monday.<\/p>\n
“The PCB understands that this decision is in the best interests of all the stakeholders involved while balancing the importance of game time with workload management,” it added.<\/p>\n
Haris can play a maximum of five matches for Melbourne Stars, who play their last group match on Jan. 15. He is then likely to join the Pakistan squad for a five-match T20 International series in New Zealand beginning on Jan. 12.<\/p>\n
The Stars play Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash opener on Thursday.<\/p>\n