Haris Rauf re-signs for Melbourne Stars

It was initially anticipated that Rauf would be unable to return to Melbourne this year; however, after changes to the international calendar, he will now arrive in Australia in early January, remaining available until the start of February

Pakistan seamer Haris Rauf has re-signed for Melbourne Stars, a year after exploding onto the Big Bash scene.

Rauf was uncapped when he arrived in last season’s edition of the tournament, where he took 20 wickets in 10 games, thrusting him onto his national side’s radar in the process.

His haul of 20 wickets included a hat-trick against Sydney Thunder and five wickets against Hobart Hurricanes. He has since been rewarded with 10 international appearances: eight in T20Is and two in ODIs.

It was initially anticipated that Rauf would be unable to return to Melbourne this year; however, after changes to the international calendar, he will now arrive in Australia in early January, remaining available until the start of February.

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He said: “I’m very happy that I can come back to the Melbourne Stars this season and play at the MCG again.

“It was an unbelievable journey last season and changed my life in so many ways. The Stars fans were very supportive of me and I can’t wait to play in front of them again. The support of all the Pakistan community in Melbourne was fantastic and hopefully we can put in some big performances this season.”

Melbourne Stars head coach David Hussey added: “Haris was one the best stories of last season and made an incredible contribution for us. His energy was fantastic for the team and we’re really pleased to have him coming back. Haris gives us another dimension and threat in our bowling attack with his raw pace.”

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