Global T20: Vancouver Knights Replace Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan
PCB Denies NOCs to Key Players
The Pakistani duo Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan have been replaced by new players for the Vancouver Knights of the Global T20 League Canada. They were not granted no-objection certificates (NOCs) to play in the league by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam were affected by this decision because they had asked to participate in the league.
Ensuring Player Fitness for Upcoming Matches
The busy cricket schedule in Pakistan ahead of Pakistan's hosting of the Champions Trophy in 2025 led the PCB to decide that these important players needed some time off. The players' health and avoiding injuries are the board's main concerns. As a result, Mohammad Rizwan will be replaced by Australian Usman Khawaja, and Babar Azam will be replaced by Reeza Hendricks of South Africa. After this adjustment, Mohammad Amir is still the primary player from Pakistan in the Knights' lineup. He will play in their first game of the season against the Toronto Nationals.
PCB's Policy on Franchise Leagues
In addition to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), players are allowed to play in two franchise leagues per PCB policy. They recently refused fast-bowler Naseem Shah's request for a no-call for The Hundred League, which cost him a lot of money because Birmingham Phoenix hired him for £125,000.
Pakistan’s Cricket Schedule for the Remainder of 2024
- August: Two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home, part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25.
- October: Three-match Test series against England at home, part of the WTC 2023-25.
- November 4-18: Tour to Australia for three ODIs and three T20Is.
- November 20-December 5: Tour to Zimbabwe for three ODIs and three T20Is.
- December 10-January 3, 2025: Tour to South Africa for three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests.
FAQs
Q: Why were Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan denied NOCs?
A: The PCB wants to ensure their top players are well-rested and fit, given the busy schedule leading up to the Champions Trophy 2025.
Q: Who will replace Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the Vancouver Knights?
A: Usman Khawaja will replace Mohammad Rizwan, and Reeza Hendricks will replace Babar Azam.
Q: What is the PCB’s policy on players participating in franchise leagues?
A: Players can participate in two franchise leagues besides the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Q: What is Pakistan’s cricket schedule for the rest of 2024?
A: The schedule includes a Test series against Bangladesh and England and tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa for various formats.
Q: How does the PCB’s decision affect Naseem Shah?
A: Naseem Shah was denied a NOC for The Hundred league, costing him his contract with Birmingham Phoenix, worth £125,000.
Q: Is Mohammad Amir still playing in the Global T20 League?
A: Mohammad Amir and Asif Ali are two Pakistani players in the Vancouver Knights squad for the Global T20 League.
This article on the Global T20 and the replacements for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan highlights the PCB's commitment to player welfare and readiness for the upcoming crucial series. The strategic decisions ensure that key players remain in top form for Pakistan's busy international schedule.
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