The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has chosen to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to four national cricketers, allowing them to participate in various cricket leagues.
According to sources, NOCs have been granted to Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Wasim Jr. for their involvement in upcoming cricket leagues. T20I captain Shaheen Afridi is contracted with Desert Vipers in the UAE’s ILT20, while Babar, Rizwan, and Wasim Jr. have commitments with teams in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
It has been reported that Fakhar Zaman and Azam Khan are awaiting approval for their league participation, with the PCB evaluating permissions for national cricketers on a case-by-case basis.
Sources also indicate that centrally contracted cricketers are being granted permission based on the terms outlined in their contracts.
Earlier reports suggested that the PCB plans to organize T10 matches in the last week of January, aiming to include all national players, even those contracted for BPL and ILT20. Challenges in obtaining government approval for a dedicated T10 league prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board to consider exhibition matches, with the board’s determination evident through a deal with the Middlesex County Cricket Club.
However, players slated for the BPL and ILT20 are currently awaiting NOCs, causing dissatisfaction due to their contractual commitments to these leagues.
In response, Team Director Mohammad Hafeez has been tasked with ensuring the availability of all players for the T10 matches, aligning with the PCB’s goal of comprehensive national talent representation in this format.
It’s worth noting that the PCB’s interest in T10 has been ongoing, with Zaka Ashraf, head of the PCB Management Committee, expressing a desire to establish the league during his tenure and make a positive impact on Pakistani cricket.