PCB Declines NOCs for Star Players Due to Hectic Calendar

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has turned down requests for No Objection Certificates from top players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi to participate in the Global T20 League, due to the busy international schedule. The decision, made after consultations, aims to manage player workload for upcoming crucial matches.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rejected requests for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi to participate in the Global T20 League, citing a packed international calendar.

“The PCB had received NOC requests from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi for the Global T20 event, among other players. After considering Pakistan’s busy and packed cricket calendar 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 and the national selection committee, it has been decided to decline their requests,” the board stated.

The Canadian league is scheduled to be held from July 25 to August 11. The PCB said the decision was made to manage the workload of the three players, who are expected to play extensively in the coming months.

“The three are all-format cricketers, and their services are required during the upcoming eight months, during which Pakistan will play nine Tests, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is,” the board's statement added.

“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 to be in their best mental and physical shape for the season, which begins with a two-Test series against Bangladesh.”

The board also declined permission to Naseem Shah for The Hundred based on similar grounds. However, NOCs have been approved for Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Nawaz.