Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided not to grant No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to prominent cricketers Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi for participation in the upcoming Global T20 in Canada. This decision, aligned with the PCB’s workload management policy, aims to ensure the players remain in optimal condition for a busy cricket season ahead.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the decision was influenced by Pakistan’s extensive cricket commitments from August 2024 through March 2025, including nine ICC World Test Championship matches and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB consulted with the players and the national selection committee before making a decision. These players, who participate in all formats, are essential for the nine Tests, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is scheduled for the next eight months.

The PCB explained that their decision is in the best interest of both the national team and the players’ well-being, ensuring they are fully prepared for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh and the rest of the season.

While NOCs were declined for the three all-format players, the PCB approved NOCs for Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Nawaz, who primarily play in limited-overs formats. Both Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz hold central contracts, indicating their critical roles in Pakistan’s white-ball strategy.

Earlier, the board had similarly denied an NOC to Naseem Shah for The Hundred, citing the same reasons related to player workload and schedule management.