In a surprising turn of events, it appears that prominent Pakistani cricketers Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan are unlikely to receive No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for participating in the upcoming Global T20 Canada. Despite the Canadian league not conflicting with any ongoing series, sources indicate that these key players, who play across all formats, are not expected to be granted permission to participate.
PCB’s Stance on NOCs for All-Format Players
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has maintained a firm stance regarding the issuance of NOCs to players who are involved in all formats of the game. Given the busy international schedule, the PCB is hesitant to allow these players to participate in foreign leagues. This policy aims to ensure that the players remain fit and available for national duties, avoiding potential burnout or injuries that could arise from additional commitments.
Recently, Naseem Shah was also denied an NOC for The Hundred, a franchise-based cricket tournament in England, due to his all-format player status. This precedent suggests that the PCB is likely to continue this policy for the foreseeable future, prioritizing national and international commitments over franchise leagues.
ICC Approval and Its Implications
Another layer of complexity is added by the fact that the Global T20 Canada has not yet received formal approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC). According to sources, several issues have led to a delay in the league’s approval, which further complicates the possibility of Pakistani players participating.
The ICC’s approval is a critical step for any international league, as it ensures that the tournament meets global standards and adheres to necessary regulations. Without this approval, the PCB is unlikely to even consider granting NOCs, as it could potentially jeopardize the professional standing of their players and the board’s own regulatory compliance.
Contracts and Future Decisions
While the situation remains uncertain for Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, other Pakistani players like Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Asif Ali, and Iftikhar Ahmed have already secured contracts with the Global T20 Canada. The formal decision regarding their participation will likely hinge on the league’s eventual approval by the ICC.
The PCB has indicated that any decisions about granting NOCs will be made only after the ICC gives the green light to the Canadian league. This cautious approach ensures that all contractual and regulatory aspects are thoroughly vetted before any player is permitted to participate.
Potential Impact on Players and Leagues
The PCB’s stringent policies on NOCs for all-format players underscore the board’s commitment to maintaining the fitness and availability of its top cricketers for national duties. However, this also means that players might miss out on lucrative opportunities and the experience of playing in diverse conditions offered by foreign leagues.
For the Global T20 Canada, the absence of star players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan could impact the league’s viewership and overall appeal. These players have a significant fan following, and their participation would undoubtedly attract more attention to the tournament.
The likelihood of Pakistani cricket stars Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan receiving NOCs for the Global T20 Canada appears slim due to the PCB’s policy on all-format players and the pending ICC approval for the league. This situation highlights the delicate balance that cricket boards must maintain between supporting their players’ professional growth and ensuring their readiness for national commitments. As the cricketing world awaits further developments, the PCB’s decisions will undoubtedly continue to shape the opportunities and constraints faced by its players in the global cricketing landscape.
