Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has commented on Haris Rauf’s decision not to play in the upcoming Test series against Australia. However, Akram said that Test cricket is where players make a name for themselves. Rauf pulled out of his name from the squad, irking chief selector Wahab Riaz. Following his decision, Riaz stated that Rauf’s central contract could be revisited as well.

At Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket launch event, Akram said, “That’s his decision. He’s a contracted player, so there’s a lot of controversies back home. 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. Test is a big boy’s game at the end of the day. You’ve got to bowl eight-over spells. In T20 you bowl four overs and stand at fine leg. Piece of cake. Test cricket is a long race, and if you want to be remembered as a great of the game, that’s where Test cricket comes in.”

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However, Haris Rauf made his Test debut against England in Rawalpindi in 2022, but he had a poor show, registering figures of 13-1-78-1. He has also played only nine first-class games, claiming 32 scalps at an average of 29.21.

“It’ll be tough, the last time Pakistan won here was 1995. New captain, new management. It will take some time. Ideally this is not the best tour for any young captain or your team to come into. It will be very tough for them … it will be a big test,” Akram explained.”I think it’s kind of a blessing in disguise. It’s a tough start for a new captain, but if they do well here, if they can compete with the mighty Australians, that will give them a lot of confidence for future games as well,” he added.