The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its decision to decline No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi to participate in the Global T20 League. The PCB cited the packed international calendar as the primary reason for the decision.
The board received NOC requests from the three players, along with other cricketers, for the Global T20 League. However, after considering Pakistan’s busy cricket schedule, which includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB decided to decline the requests. The Canadian league is scheduled from July 25th to August 11th.
The PCB emphasized the need to manage the workload of these three key players, who are expected to be heavily involved in international cricket for the upcoming months. The statement highlighted that they are all-format cricketers and their services are crucial for Pakistan’s performance in the upcoming eight months, which includes nine Tests, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is.
The PCB’s decision aligns with its workload management policy, prioritizing the well-being of the players and ensuring they are in optimal mental and physical condition for the upcoming season, which begins with a two-Test series against Bangladesh.
The PCB also denied permission to Naseem Shah for The Hundred on the same grounds. However, the board has approved NOCs for Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Nawaz to participate in various leagues.
