The Pakistan cricket team is facing harsh criticism and substantial changes following their lacklustre performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The team failed to progress to the Super Eight stage, suffering defeats to both arch-rivals India and the USA.
In response to this disappointing outcome, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced strict measures to revitalise the squad. PCB Chairman Syed Moshin Naqvi disclosed plans for a thorough strategic restructuring aimed at enhancing the team’s competitiveness and morale.
To focus on restoring Pakistan’s cricketing reputation in the longer format, three of Pakistan’s key players, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, have been strategically withheld from participating in the Global T20 Canada League. Additionally, to recalibrate team dynamics, several players have been granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to play in various international leagues. The PCB's goal is to offer these players opportunities to gain experience and exposure, benefiting their development and the team’s future performance.
Pakistan Players Granted NOCs by the PCB
- Abrar Ahmed – Major League Cricket (USA)
- Fakhar Zaman – Caribbean Premier League (West Indies)
- Haris Rauf – Major League Cricket (USA)
- Mohammad Amir – County Cricket (England)
- Mohammad Haris – Lanka Premier League (Sri Lanka)
- Mohammad Hasnain – Lanka Premier League (Sri Lanka)
- Salman Ali Agha – Lanka Premier League (Sri Lanka)
- Shadab Khan – Lanka Premier League (Sri Lanka)
- Sharjeel Khan – World Championship of Legends
- Sohaib Maqsood – World Championship of Legends
- Usama Mir – The Hundred (England)
- Zaman Khan – Major League Cricket (USA)