The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided not to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to star players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the upcoming Global T20 League in Canada.
This decision follows consultations with the players and the selection committee, considering the Pakistan cricket team’s busy schedule.
In a statement, the PCB explained that the decision was made due to the extensive commitments of the national team from August 2024 to March 2025. During this period, Pakistan is set to play nine Test matches as part of the ICC World Test Championship, as well as prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy next year, which will be hosted in Pakistan. The schedule also includes fourteen One Day Internationals and nine Twenty20 Internationals.
With such a packed calendar, the PCB believes it is in the best interest of both the team and the players to prioritize their fitness and readiness for the upcoming season. This decision aligns with the PCB’s workload management policy, aimed at ensuring players maintain peak performance and avoid burnout.
The PCB had previously denied NOCs to Naseem Shah for similar reasons. However, it has approved NOCs for Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Nawaz, who are primarily white-ball cricketers. Notably, Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz are central contracted players.
The Global T20 League in Canada will proceed without these key Pakistani players, who will instead focus on preparing for their extensive international schedule.
