Four Reasons why PCB denied NOC to Pakistan Trio for GT20 Canada Tournament

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally rejected permits for senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi to participate in the upcoming Global T20 Canadian League.

Although most of the Pakistan players have received NOCs to take part in franchise tournaments, PCB decided to not provide the same for the trio.

"The PCB had received NOC requests from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi for the Global T20 event, amongst other players. After taking into consideration Pakistan's busy and packed cricket calendar in the period from August 2024 to March 2025, which includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and next year's ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and following consultations with the three players as well as the national selection committee, it has been decided to decline their requests," a PCB statement read.

Although a section of fans have questioned PCB's decision on the three players, PCB cited four specific reasons behind their verdict. Although the stance can change in coming weeks, the reasons behind PCB's decision look pretty valid at the moment.

Coaches Opposed the Idea

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi discussed this with coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, who also opposed the idea, according to a reliable source within the board. After a dismal T20 World Cup, Pakistan need their top players to step up and the coach had a huge say in handing NOCs to the players, who dismissed the idea.

All-Format Responsibilities

The source revealed that these three cricketers' involvement in all formats of the game influenced the board's decision. "The board has allowed NOCs to some of those players who are not all-format players like Shadab Khan to play in some leagues. But since Babar, Shaheen and Rizwan play in all formats the case is different for them," the source said.

Additionally, the PCB's decision to deny an NOC for pacer Naseem Shah to play in The Hundred in England was attributed to similar reasons. The source acknowledged that this move might cause dissatisfaction among players and their agents due to the lucrative contracts offered by the GT20.

International Commitments Take Priority

Pakistan has a jam-packed international schedule for 2024-25. Earlier this week, PCB confirmed that they would play five T20Is and three ODIs in New Zealand following the Champions Trophy in February-March. Pakistan will also host Bangladesh, England, and West Indies at home while visiting South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand for all-format series. Hence the PCB wants their key players to be fit and ready for the international commitments.

GT20 Status

Also there is apprehension in PCB regarding the status of GT20 league, which hasn't received approval from ICC yet. Hence that was also behind the decision from the apex body of Pakistan cricket.