Rauf included in list of contracted players

Fast bowler Abdur Rauf has been added to the PCB's list of centrally-contracted players announced last week. Rauf has been given a Category C contract, the lowest grade, after he complained of being treated unfairly in television interviews.

According to a report in the News, a PCB spokesman confirmed on Sunday that Abdul Qadir, the chief selector, recommended a C-category contract for Rauf, which was approved by board chairman Ijaz Butt.

Rauf, who made his international debut last year, has played four ODIs and one Twenty20 international for Pakistan. "I am really sad at not being considered for the contract. I don't understand why they ignored me," Rauf had said in one of the interviews. The 30-year-old bowler has taken eight ODI wickets at 26.50 apiece.

Among the surprises in this year's list of contracts were the promotion of Shoaib Akhtar and Danish Kaneria to the top category. The contracts were awarded by the board after inputs from Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam, Abdul Qadir, chief selector and Yawar Saeed, the team manager, with seniority having played a significant role.