The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Haris Rauf for his upcoming stint with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL) and his participation may not be approved until December 11.

The Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to delay the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for fast bowler Haris Rauf, which will allow him to take part in the Big Bash League 2023, scheduled to begin from December 7. According to reports, the NOC is expected to be delayed by at least December 11 and there is also no further certainty as to whether it will be released immediately thereafter as well.

The 2023-24 edition of the BBL is scheduled to begin on December 7 and the Melbourne Stars have signed Rauf as their regular player, continuing the collaboration that began in 2019. It is to be noted that the stars only have the services of the foreign pacer. For a limited period, Pakistan's tour of New Zealand is scheduled from January 12, 2024.

With the Big Bash League scheduled to begin on December 7, Haris Rauf will miss the first few matches if the PCB does not issue the NOC. The official reason for the delay is Haris Rauf's expected participation in the National T20 Cup in Pakistan, which ends on December 10.

Haris Rauf's absence will not only impact the Melbourne Stars, who signed him as a top player, but will also disrupt the BBL's marketing strategy aimed at South Asian audiences. The Melbourne Stars had taken advantage of Rauf's popularity and introduced special memberships and seating areas.

The delay could extend beyond the National T20 Cup as Haris Rauf will also have to leave the BBL to take part in the Pakistan T20 series in New Zealand.

The NOC situation of Haris Rauf, who is currently embroiled in a standoff with chief selector Wahab Riaz, could be a concern for centrally contracted players. The PCB's influence on NOCs remains a point of contention, reflecting wider issues in player contract negotiations.