PCB Delays Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Rizwan’s NOCs Ahead Of Global T20 Canada 2024

PCB delays NOCs of Babar, Rizwan, & Shaheen (X.com)

In a shocking turn of events, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has delayed granting no-objection certificates (NOCs) to three of their stalwarts, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan.

As reported by local Pakistani media, revealed by cricketpakistan.com.pk, all three are part of Canada’s upcoming Global T20 League, but their participation is yet to be confirmed due to the PCB’s decision.

PCB Waits For ICC’s Decision On Canada’s T20 League

However, PCB intends to refrain from allowing Babar, Shaheen, and Rizwan to compete in Canada’s franchise competition. The board only wants to see what the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) take on Canada’s ‘league affiliations.’

“The players had sought permission from the PCB to join the league, but the board is currently in discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the league’s affiliation. A decision on the NOC will be made once the ICC provides clarification,” a statement in cricketpakistan.com.pk read.

Apart from Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen, four other Pakistani players – Asif Ali, Mohammad Amir, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz – have been picked by different franchises to play the Global T20 Canada 2024, scheduled to get underway on July 25.

Babar, Asif Ali, Amir, and Rizwan are all in the Vancouver Knights, while Shaheen and Nawaz will represent Toronto Nationals. Iftikhar Ahmed, meanwhile, will be in action for the Bangla Tigers Mississauga.