Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan Unlikely To Get NOC For Global T20 Canada

Pakistan’s cricket stars Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi are reportedly unlikely to receive No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in the upcoming Global T20 Canada, according to sources cited by Geo News. Despite the league’s schedule not clashing with Pakistan’s international commitments, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appears hesitant to grant the necessary permissions.

Sources reveal that the PCB’s reluctance stems from prioritizing the players’ availability and fitness for national duties. Pakistan is set to play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, commencing on August 21, shortly after the conclusion of the Canadian league, which runs from July 25 to August 11.

The decision to withhold NOCs for Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan underscores the PCB’s focus on preparing for crucial international fixtures. The board aims to ensure that its key players are in peak condition for the upcoming Test series and other significant tournaments later this year.

Babar Azam, Pakistan’s all-format captain, along with star pacer Shaheen Afridi and dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, are integral to the national team’s success. Their participation in the Global T20 Canada could pose a risk of injuries and fatigue, impacting their performance in the international arena.

This move by the PCB is indicative of a broader trend where national cricket boards are increasingly cautious about permitting their marquee players to feature in franchise leagues. Ensuring player fitness, managing workloads, and maintaining top performance levels for international duties remain top priorities. The absence of Pakistan’s top players from the Global T20 Canada is likely to affect the tournament’s appeal and competitive balance. Fans eagerly anticipating seeing Babar, Shaheen, and Rizwan in action will undoubtedly be disappointed by this development.

As cricket’s international calendar becomes more congested with fixtures and franchise leagues, the challenge for players and boards to strike a balance between commitments and well-being continues to grow. The PCB’s decision highlights the complexities involved in managing the demands of modern cricket while safeguarding the interests of national teams.