In a recent update by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), ace batter Babar Azam, wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan, and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi have been declined No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in the Global T20 franchise cricket in Canada. This decision comes as part of the PCB’s strategic planning, considering the busy and packed cricket calendar for Pakistan from August 2024 to March 2025.
The PCB announced on Friday night that they had received NOC requests from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi for the Global T20 event, along with requests from other players. However, after thorough consideration of Pakistan’s cricket schedule, which includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and following consultations with the three players and the national selection committee, the PCB decided to decline their requests.
All three players are crucial all-format cricketers whose services will be essential during the next eight months. During this period, Pakistan is set to play nine Tests, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is. To manage their workload effectively and ensure they are in peak mental and physical condition for the upcoming season, the PCB deemed it best for these players to skip the event in Canada. The season will commence with a two-Test series against Bangladesh.
The PCB’s workload management policy aims to prioritize the well-being and performance of its players, ensuring they remain fit and focused for national duties. This policy had also led to the denial of permission for Naseem Shah to participate in The Hundred on similar grounds.
Meanwhile, the PCB has approved NOCs for Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Nawaz. These players, predominantly white-ball cricketers, have been given the green light to participate in the Global T20 event. Both Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz are centrally contracted players, and their participation in the tournament aligns with the PCB’s broader strategy for player management.
PCB’s decision to decline NOCs for Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi underscores its commitment to managing player workload and ensuring optimal performance during a busy international season. The approved NOCs for other players highlight a balanced approach, allowing participation in franchise cricket while prioritizing national commitments.
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