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According to sources who spoke with Geo News, Pakistan’s top three players, Babar Azam, Mohammed Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, are unlikely to receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for playing in the forthcoming Global T20 Canada. In order to prevent any conflicts with Pakistan’s international calendar, the sources told Geo News that the players will not receive a nod of clearance despite the league schedule. The two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will begin on August 21. Play in the Canadian League begins on July 25 and runs until August 11.
It was also claimed that players participating in all formats will not receive the certificate in accordance with policy, which is the likely cause for the NOC’s denial. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) opposes giving players a notice of clearance (NOC) due to their demanding schedules.
Naseem Shah, a prominent pacer, was also refused permission to participate in The Hundred last week. The decision to refuse the NOC was made as a precaution, the sources said Geo News, after they had reviewed the Pakistani cricket player’s application.
According to the sources, Naseem’s application was turned down in order to protect him from injuries because he was injured and had fitness issues the previous year, despite the fact that he plays for Pakistan in all three formats.
In addition to the aforementioned trio, contracts for Global T20 Canada are held by Muhammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Asif Ali, and Iftikhar Ahmed.
PCB chairman Naqvi said earlier this week that the players would receive the NOC in accordance with specific requirements. The NOC will be awarded to players who meet the requirements.
“The players will be promoted on the basis of their fitness and performance. There’s no place for players who do not fit the criteria. There’ll also be no compromise on discipline,” said PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.