PCB denies NOCs for Babar Azam, Rizwan, and ShaheenAfridi, citing workload management
The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that it will not provide No Objection Certificates (NOC) for Babar Azam, Mohammed Rizwan, and ShaheenAfridi for the GT20 Canada event. The PCB has cited workload management for the stars, who are deemed ‘all-format players’, as the reason for the refusal. Additionally, the Pakistan Cricket Board also cited the side’s hectic international schedule as a reason for not allowing the stars to participate in franchise cricket.
According to the press release, Pakistan has refused permission for the trio, keeping in mind that they will play a crucial role in the remainder of the WTC matches, leading up to the Champions Trophy 2025. Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen are expected to take part in nine tests, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is in the lead-up to CT 2025, which will be held between February and March 2025.
The PCB further cited that it was in the best interest of Pakistan cricket that the trio skipped the tournament in Canada. Meanwhile, the board has approved the NOCs of Ifthikar Ahmed, Mohammed Nawaz, Asif Ali, and Mohammed Amir.