PCB Likely to Deny NOC to Star Trio for Global T20 Canada

Pakistan's cricket stars Babar Azam, Mohammed Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi are expected to miss the Global T20 Canada due to PCB's NOC policy, prioritizing their international schedule and fitness. Other players, including Naseem Shah, also face similar restrictions amid a packed cricket calendar.

Pakistan's star cricketers Babar Azam, Mohammed Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi are not likely to receive the No Objection Certificate (NOC) needed to participate in the upcoming Global T20 Canada, sources revealed to Geo News. The league does not clash with Pakistan's international fixtures, yet the PCB is expected to deny their participation.

Pakistan's two-match Test series against Bangladesh is set to begin on August 21, while the Global T20 Canada runs from July 25 to August 11. PCB policy dictates that players involved in all formats won't get NOCs due to the demanding schedule ahead.

Last week, pacer Naseem Shah was also denied an NOC to play in The Hundred. The PCB aims to protect players like Shah, who feature in all three formats, from potential injuries and fitness issues. Sources explained the preventive nature of the NOC denial.

In addition to the trio, players Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Asif Ali, and Iftikhar Ahmed also hold contracts for the Global T20 Canada. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated this week that NOC issuance would be based on fitness, performance, and discipline criteria.

Meanwhile, red-ball head coach Jason Gillispie suggested Shaheen Afridi might also miss the Bangladeshi Test series next month as he and his wife, Ansha, expect their first child. Gillispie indicated that Afridi could be granted leave to stay with his wife during this period.