PCB Bars Star Players from Global T20 Amidst Busy Schedule

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is unlikely to allow senior players Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi to participate in the upcoming Global T20 Canadian League due to a congested international calendar. The decision, influenced by the players' commitments across all formats, is expected to face opposition from the players and their agents.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to deny senior players Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi permission to participate in the upcoming Global T20 Canadian League, citing a packed international calendar.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, along with coaches Jason Gilliespie and Gary Kirsten, have reportedly concurred on this move. A reliable source within the board noted that these players engage in all formats of cricket, impacting the decision significantly.

While the board has provided No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to non-all format players like Shadab Khan for participating in various leagues, it remains stringent for those fully committed to all formats.

The decision also affects pacer Naseem Shah, who was denied an NOC for the Hundred in England for similar reasons. The source acknowledged potential backlash from the players and their agents due to the lucrative nature of the GT20 contracts.

Adding to the situation, the Canadian league has yet to receive official clearance from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The PCB faces a busy schedule during 2024-25, including tours by Bangladesh, England, and West Indies, and trips to South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, Pakistan will play a triangular series with New Zealand and South Africa and five T20Is and three ODIs in New Zealand post-Champions Trophy.

However, there has been no formal dialogue between the PCB chairman or national selectors and the senior players, including Babar Azam, following the team's disappointing World T20 campaign.

(With inputs from agencies.)