PCB denies NOC requests for Babar, Shaheen, Mohammad Rizwan to play in Global T20

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that it has declined the requests of captain Babar Azam, fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in the upcoming Global T20 league in Canada.

In a statement released on Friday, the PCB said, “The PCB had received NOC requests from Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen for the Global T20 event. Following consultations with the three players as well as the national selection committee, it has been decided to decline their requests.”

Sources previously informed Geo News that the trio were unlikely to receive approval from the PCB to play in the tournament, scheduled from July 25 to August 11. The board cited the busy international schedule as the primary reason for this decision.

The PCB emphasised that the decision was made considering the team’s packed cricket calendar from August 2024 to March 2025. This period includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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The board stressed the importance of workload management, stating that it is in the best interest of Pakistan cricket and the players to skip the Canadian event to maintain optimal mental and physical condition for the upcoming season, which begins with a two-Test series against Bangladesh.

“The three are all-format cricketers and their services are expected to be required in the upcoming eight months during which Pakistan will play nine Tests, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is,” the PCB’s statement read.

This development follows the PCB’s recent decision to deny fast bowler Naseem Shah an NOC to play in The Hundred league, also due to his status as an all-format player.

However, the board has approved NOCs for Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Nawaz, as they are predominantly white-ball cricketers. Iftikhar and Nawaz are also centrally contracted players.

Earlier this week, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi mentioned that the board would develop a technical process to issue NOCs to players, indicating that those meeting the criteria would be granted permission.