The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is implementing stricter controls over No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for key players participating in upcoming franchise tournaments. This decision follows the recent denial of an NOC to Naseem Shah for The Hundred tournament.
Notable players such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam are likely to be absent from the Global T20 League Canada starting on July 25. This move aims to manage their workload effectively and ensure they are sufficiently rested for upcoming national commitments, including a Test series against Bangladesh beginning August 21.
Under the current policy, while the PCB does not outright ban NOC requests, it intends to limit approvals for players heavily involved in all formats of the game. This approach ensures that top players maintain peak performance levels for crucial national team fixtures.
This strategy is set to continue beyond the immediate league season, considering Pakistan’s jam-packed cricket calendar from October 2024 to May 2025, which features multiple overlapping T20 tournaments.
In accordance with existing central contracts, players are permitted to participate in a maximum of two overseas franchise leagues annually, provided there are no conflicting international obligations.
The PCB’s measured approach underscores its commitment to prioritizing the national team’s success over individual franchise engagements. By carefully managing players’ schedules, the board aims to prevent fatigue and sustain their fitness for representing Pakistan in international competitions.