PCB issues NOC to four players returning from injury layoffs

NEW DELHI: Mystery surrounds the recent decision of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the issuance of NOCs (No Objection Certificates) to both centrally contracted and non-contracted players for their participation in the International League T20 and the Bangladesh Premier League in January-February. The intriguing aspect arises from the fact that several players, including fast bowlers Naseem Shah, Ihsanullah, and Mohammad Hasnain, as well as all-rounder Shadab Khan, have recently recovered from injuries and had requested NOCs for the BPL.Earlier, Pakistan's team director, Mohammad Hafeez, had urged the PCB to ensure that players returning from injuries play at least one match in the ongoing President Trophy (first-class) in Karachi. In response, the four aforementioned players were asked to travel to Karachi and participate in domestic matches. However, when the PCB eventually announced the issuance of NOCs, there was no mention of Shadab, Naseem, Ihsanullah, and Hasnain being approved for the BPL.Naseem Shah had suffered a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup and had to undergo surgery in London. As a result, he missed out on the ODI World Cup, the Test tour of Australia, and the ongoing T20I series in New Zealand. Similarly, Hasnain and Ihsanullah last represented Pakistan in January and April 2023 respectively before sustaining injuries. Ihsanullah, in particular, had an elbow injury that required attention in Lahore. Shadab, on the other hand, had to skip the tours to Australia and New Zealand due to an ankle injury sustained during the National T20 Championship late last year.In the midst of this mystery, the PCB has confirmed that it has issued NOCs to senior players Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Haris Rauf for their participation in the ILT20 and BPL leagues.The reasons behind the PCB's decision to exclude certain recovered players from the BPL remain unknown. Fans and experts alike are left speculating about the potential factors influencing this choice. As of now, the PCB has not provided any further clarification on this matter.(With inputs from PTI)