Former Hobart Hurricanes boss Nick Cummins helped Stars snatch Haris Rauf

Former Hobart Hurricanes boss Nick Cummins has landed a heavy blow to his old team, admitting his role in the recruitment of Haris Rauf who tore through their bating line-up.

Former Cricket Tasmania and Hobart Hurricanes CEO Nick Cummins has dealt a blow to the Tassie side. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

NICK Cummins played a major role in helping the Melbourne Stars snatch Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf from the grasps of his former employer.

Cummins, who finished his two year stint as Cricket Tasmania and Hobart Hurricanes chief executive last month to take up the new position as general manager Big Bash, commercial and marketing at Cricket Victoria, landed the first blow from his move after watching Rauf destroy the Hurricanes on Sunday in Moe.

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Rauf’s incredible 5-27 saw the Melbourne Stars crush Hobart by 52 runs and came after the 25-year-old was on the verge of joining the Cane Train as a back-up import.

However an injury to South African superstar Dale Steyn opened up an immediate playing opportunity and when Cummins suggested the Stars look into the express quick the organisation didn’t hesitate.

“It was by chance really, at the Hurricanes we were always thinking about replacements for Jofra [Archer] and ‘Griff’ [coach Adam Griffith] was really happy with [David] Miller and Qais [Ahmad],” Cummins said.

“He was just backup and going to be a replacement and it was only when Steyn got injured, I was aware Haris had come and we approached him to see whether he wanted to play.

“I’ve known Haris for a long time and to see him come out and perform so well was really gratifying.”

Haris Rauf of the Melbourne Stars. Picture: AAP IMAGE/SCOTT BARBOUR

Rauf, who only started playing cricket two years ago and came to Australia with the Lahore Qalanders _ who have competed in a mini series against BBL sides Hobart and Sydney Thunder the last two pre-seasons _ trained with Hobart once and played three CTPL matches with Glenorchy before landing his BBL break.

Griffith stopped short of saying his side was beaten to the punch by the Stars, and denied the Hurricanes had offered the new cult figure a deal to stay in Hobart.

“We had Miller and Qais locked away for the start of the tournament and he wouldn’t have played at the start for us,” Griffith said.

“There was an opportunity for him to get a game at the Stars and he decided to do that.

“He came out here to train with us, he only trained once and the injury happened to Steyn and they jumped to try and get him across.

“From our perspective, we understand the offer of a game is pretty hard to turn down and that’s what he went with.”