The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its decision regarding the NOC (No Objection Certificate) requests for players aiming to participate in the Global T20 event in Canada later this month.
In a statement, the PCB disclosed that NOC requests from prominent players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi were among those considered. However, after evaluating Pakistan’s cricket schedule from August 2024 to March 2025, which includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the board has decided to decline these requests.
The PCB highlighted the extensive commitments of the three all-format cricketers, Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen, who are expected to be vital for the national team in the upcoming eight months. This period features nine Tests, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is.
Given the importance of their roles and following consultations with the players and the national selection committee, the decision was made in line with the PCB’s workload management policy. The aim is to ensure these key players are in optimal mental and physical condition for the demanding season ahead, starting with the two-Test series against Bangladesh.
Earlier, the PCB had also denied Naseem Shah permission to participate in The Hundred, citing similar reasons related to the busy international schedule and the need for effective workload management.
While the requests for Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen were declined, the PCB has approved NOCs for Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Nawaz. These players, primarily known for their white-ball cricket expertise, have been granted permission to participate in the Global T20 event. Among them, Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz are centrally contracted players.
“The PCB had received NOC requests from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi for the Global T20 event, amongst other players. After taking into consideration Pakistan’s busy and packed cricket calendar in the period from August 2024 to March 2025, which includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and following consultations with the three players as well as the national selection committee, it has been decided to decline their requests.
“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. As such, and in line with the PCB’s workload management policy, it is in the best interest of Pakistan cricket and the players that they skip the upcoming event in Canada so that they are in their best mental and physical shape for the season, which commences with the two-Test series against Bangladesh.”
The PCB’s decision underscores the board’s commitment to managing player workloads effectively, ensuring peak performance during a crucial period for Pakistan cricket.
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