PCB issues a cover-up about their decision to reject the NOC applications of seniors Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi for playing in the Global T20 League in Canada. In PCB’s new stringent measures, it was decided that no cricketer involved in playing for the Pakistan team across the three formats would be allowed to participate in foreign T20 leagues after the team’s early elimination from the T20 World Cup 2024.
First of all the PCB had refused to issue a playing No-objection certificate (NOC) to Naseem Shah to feature in England’s, The Hundred League. Some of the main cricketers hoped for their NOC for the Global T20 League starting on July 25 for playing in the league. Leading players of the senior team – Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi are also facing performance challenges.
Reasons for Rejection
The PCB later on came out with official reasons as to why they rejected the NOCs. The main motivation is the workload of the players in anticipation of the dense international schedule in the coming months. The board wants leading players to be fit for Pakistan’s busy cricket schedule between August 2024 and March 2025. This period will comprise nine ICC World Test Championship matches as well as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
PCB's Vision
Pakistan Cricket Team’s has a very busy cricket calendar in coming Months, the board felt after discussing with the national selection committee that it will be unwise to let them play in the said event”. The PCB also stressed that the three players are a part of the selection for the national team and, hence, should be given adequate time to relax and prepare with a sound body and mind.
All three players are equipped for all formats of cricket, and since Pakistan would be playing nine Tests, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is in the next eight months, their services would likely be needed in those coming eight months; therefore, by the PCB’s workload management policy, it is in the best interest of the Pakistan cricket as well as the three named players that they avoid this event in Canada so that they are fresh both mentally and physically.
Thus, the PCB wants to take proper care of the future course of international cricket and ensure that the major players are prepared for the possible essential games in the future by freeing up time for them to train and prepare accordingly on behalf of Pakistan cricket.
