by: TN Media News LAHORE: July 20, 2024 – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially declined the no-objection certificate (NOC) requests from skipper Babar Azam, pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan for participation in the upcoming Global T20 league in Canada. The league is scheduled to take place from July 25 to August 11.
“The PCB had received NOC requests from Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen for the Global T20 event. Following consultations with the three players as well as the national selection committee, it has been decided to decline their requests,” the PCB said in a press release on Friday.
This confirmation aligns with earlier reports from Geo News, which indicated that the trio was unlikely to receive the PCB’s approval due to the demanding international schedule ahead.
The PCB stated that the decision was made considering the team’s extensive cricket calendar from August 2024 to March 2025, which includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The board emphasized that adhering to its workload management policy is crucial to ensure the players’ optimal mental and physical condition for the upcoming season. The season begins with a two-Test series against Bangladesh.
“The three are all-format cricketers and their services are expected to be required in the upcoming eight months during which Pakistan will play nine Tests, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is,” read the PCB’s statement.
This development follows the PCB’s recent decision not to grant fast-bowler Naseem Shah an NOC to play in The Hundred league, citing his status as an all-format player.
Conversely, the PCB has approved NOCs for Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Nawaz, who are predominantly white-ball cricketers. Iftikhar and Nawaz are also centrally contracted players.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had previously mentioned that the board would establish a technical process to issue NOCs to players, stating that those who met the requirements would be granted permission. However, in the case of Babar, Shaheen, and Rizwan, the board has opted to prioritize the national team’s needs over participation in the Global T20.
As Pakistan prepares for a busy international schedule, the PCB’s focus remains on maintaining player fitness and performance, ensuring that the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
