July 20th 2024.
In a decision that may come as a disappointment to some, the Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that it will not be granting No-Objection Certificates to three of its top players - Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan - for the upcoming Global T20 tournament in Canada. This news comes on the heels of a similar refusal for young cricketer Naseem Shah, who had a contract with Birmingham Phoenix for The Hundred.
The PCB, in a statement, clarified that the decision was made after thorough consultation with the players and the national selection committee. The board also mentioned the busy and demanding schedule of international cricket ahead, with nine ICC World Test Championship matches and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon. Taking all of this into consideration, the PCB has decided to decline the players' requests for NOCs.
The trio of Afridi, Azam, and Rizwan are all key players for Pakistan in all formats of the game, and their services will be needed in the upcoming eight months, during which the national team is scheduled to play a total of 32 matches across all three formats. This includes nine Tests, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is, making it vital for the players to be in their best physical and mental shape.
While some players such as Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, and Asif Ali have been granted NOCs for various T20 tournaments, the PCB's stance is stricter for those who play a crucial role in the Test team. This is especially important with a busy Test schedule approaching, and the absence of these marquee players from the Global T20 Canada will certainly have an impact.
Previously, the central contracts signed by players allowed for participation in two overseas franchise competitions per year, as long as they did not clash with international commitments. However, the PCB has the right to refuse NOCs if it is deemed necessary for the national team's best interests. This decision may lead to some discontent among players, but the board is standing firm in its decision.
The PCB's decision to limit NOCs is not just for the immediate future, but also for the packed schedule from October 2024 to May 2025. During this period, the board has indicated that it will not entertain NOC requests for all-format players, ensuring that key players are available and fit for national duties. This includes a busy schedule of home Tests against England, limited-overs series in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, a Test series in South Africa, home Tests against the West Indies, a tri-series with South Africa and New Zealand, the ICC Champions Trophy at home, eight white-ball games in New Zealand, and the Pakistan Super League.
With Bangladesh's tour of Pakistan scheduled for mid-August, the national team will need all hands on deck for the two Tests in Rawalpindi and Karachi. This tight schedule has played a significant role in the PCB's decision to deny NOCs, as it aims to ensure that key players are available and in top form for their national duties. While this may be disappointing for some players, the board's priority remains the best interests of the national team.
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