The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially denied senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi‘s requests to participate in the upcoming Global T20 Canadian League. While most Pakistani players have received No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to compete in franchise tournaments, the PCB has opted not to grant NOCs to these three players.

While some fans doubt the PCB’s decision on these players, the PCB has outlined four specific reasons supporting its stance. The board has indicated that although circumstances may evolve in the coming weeks, its current rationale for declining the requests appears justified.

“The PCB received NOC requests from Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen  for the Global T20 event, among others. After considering Pakistan’s congested cricket schedule from August 2024 to March 2025, which includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 next year, and following consultations with the players and the national selection committee, the requests have been declined,” stated a PCB release.

Reasons behind PCB’s denial of NOC

Coaches disapproved the idea

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi consulted coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten on the matter, but both coaches opposed the idea, as confirmed by a reliable source within the board. Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, there is a consensus that the team needs its top players to play pivotal roles. The coaches’ input played a significant role in the decision not to grant NOCs to the players, ultimately dismissing the proposal.

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Multi-format burden

According to a source within the board, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) considered the all-format responsibilities of Babar, Shaheen, and Rizwan as a key factor in its decision.

“The board has granted NOCs to players like Shadab Khan who are not involved in all formats to participate in certain leagues. However, because Babar, Shaheen, and Rizwan play across all formats, the situation differs for them,” the source explained.

Busy schedule

International commitments take precedence for Pakistan amidst their busy schedule for 2024-25. Recently, the PCB affirmed that Pakistan is slated to participate in five T20Is and three ODIs in New Zealand immediately following the Champions Trophy in February-March. Additionally, Pakistan will host Bangladesh, England, and West Indies for the series at home while embarking on tours to South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand for comprehensive all-format contests. Therefore, the PCB emphasizes their key players need to maintain peak fitness and readiness for these demanding international engagements.

Global T20 league ICC status

The PCB is also concerned about the status of the GT20 league, which has not yet received approval from the ICC. This concern played a significant role in the decision made by Pakistan cricket’s highest authority.

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