Pakistan Cricket Board Permits Four Players to Join Caribbean Premier League

The Pakistan Cricket Board green-lights Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Amir, and Imad Wasim for the Caribbean Premier League, while young opener Saim Ayub's request is denied. The decision follows the PCB's busy international schedule considerations.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approved the participation of four players in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), commencing this weekend, sources informed Geo News. Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Amir, and Imad Wasim have all received No-Objection Certificates (NOCs).

However, sources revealed that the request for an NOC by young opener Saim Ayub was turned down. The 22-year-old is currently involved in Pakistan's ongoing home Test series against Bangladesh.

In the CPL, Azam will join the Guyana Amazon Warriors, while Fakhar, Amir, and Wasim will play for the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. Notably, last month, PCB denied NOCs to Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan for the Global T20 Canada.

Naseem Shah was also denied an NOC for the Hundred after being signed by the Birmingham Phoenix. The PCB cited Pakistan's busy international schedule as a significant factor in these decisions.

"The PCB received NOC requests from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi for the Global T20 event, among others. Considering Pakistan's packed cricket calendar from August 2024 to March 2025, which includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and after consulting with the players and the national selection committee, it was decided to decline their requests," PCB stated. Pakistan is trailing 1-0 in their home Test series against Bangladesh and aims to rebound in the second Test starting on August 30.

Pakistan's busy schedule will include hosting the ICC Champions Trophy next year. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)