PCB Denies NOC To Pakistan Trio For GT20 Canada Tournament

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has declined permits for senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi to participate in the upcoming Global T20 Canadian League. Despite most Pakistani players receiving NOCs for franchise tournaments, the PCB decided against granting them to this trio.

"The PCB had received NOC requests from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi for the Global T20 event, amongst other players. After taking into consideration Pakistan's busy and packed cricket calendar in the period 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 as well as the national selection committee, it has been decided to decline their requests," a PCB statement read.

Pakistan's international schedule for 2024-25 is extremely busy. Earlier this week, PCB confirmed that they would play five T20Is and three ODIs in New Zealand following the Champions Trophy in February-March. Pakistan will also host Bangladesh, England, and West Indies at home while visiting South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand for all-format series. Hence the PCB wants their key players to be fit and ready for these international commitments.

The involvement of these three cricketers in all formats of the game influenced the board's decision. "The board has allowed NOCs to some of those players who are not all-format players like Shadab Khan to play in some leagues. But since Babar, Shaheen and Rizwan play in all formats the case is different for them," a source said.

Additionally, the PCB's decision to deny an NOC for pacer Naseem Shah to play in The Hundred in England was attributed to similar reasons. The source acknowledged that this move might cause dissatisfaction among players and their agents due to the lucrative contracts offered by the GT20.

Coaches Opposed the Idea

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi discussed this with coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, who also opposed the idea, according to a reliable source within the board. After a dismal T20 World Cup performance, Pakistan needs their top players to step up. The coach had a significant say in handing out NOCs to players and dismissed the idea.

GT20 Status

There is apprehension within PCB regarding the status of GT20 league as it hasn't received approval from ICC yet. This uncertainty also influenced PCB's decision regarding player participation.

Although a section of fans have questioned PCB's decision on these three players, PCB cited four specific reasons behind their verdict. Although this stance can change in coming weeks, these reasons appear valid at present.

The decision reflects PCB’s focus on ensuring that key players remain available for crucial international fixtures. This approach aims at maintaining team strength during an intense cricketing calendar.