Kyrgios remains a crowd-pulling drawcard for tournament organisers and Rafter queried that may influence the ATP's decision to suspend the 24-year-old.
"That’s the other thing. He draws a crowd,"Rafter said.
"But at what stage do you say the crowd is more important? Or are you trying to uphold a certain standard or protocol for players to adhere to."
Kyrgios,ranked higher than any other Australian man at No.27,presents a headache for Tennis Australia as the country prepares to play host to the new ATP Cup in January.
One of the quirks of the event is that the highest ranked player from each country will pick their team captain.
Given Kyrgios has a frosty relationship with both Rafter and current Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt,it's hard to envisage the outspoken star would select either to lead their team for the tournament,which starts on January 3.
Rafter is certain he won't be called upon should Kyrgios remain top Australian player come the November 13 deadline and Hewitt wouldn't be drawn on the matter.
"This is a great event to be a part of. I think to have any small involvement - whether that is as a captain,commentator,ambassador - whatever it may be,"Hewitt said.
"I love getting our great sport and playing the best possible tennis we can at the elite level,here in our country."
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The ATP Cup will bring every member of the current top-10 ranked male players in the world - and 27 of the top 30 - to Sydney,Brisbane and Perth between January 3 and 12.
There will be 24 countries split between six groups of four,with the winners of their group all progressing to the final eight alongside the best two second-placed teams.
Each tie will be a best-of-three format involving two singles clashes and one doubles match.
Australia has been drawn in Group F alongside Germany,Greece and Canada at Brisbane's Pat Rafter Arena.
Roger Federer will be the main drawcard in the group stage in Sydney as Switzerland have been drawn in Group C alongside Great Britain,Belgium and a wildcard which will be determined in November.