The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has granted no-objection certificates (NOCs) to fast bowlers Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, and leg-spinner Usama Mir for their participation in the Big Bash League 2023-24.
The decision, as stated by the PCB, aims to balance the players’ need for game time with the essential management of their workload. The NOCs have been issued with consideration of the players’ workload and the national men’s team’s future tour program.
Haris Rauf and Usama Mir have been granted NOCs for a total of five matches each, while Zaman Khan has received an NOC for four matches. The matches are scheduled to take place from December 7 to 28.
This announcement follows comments by Mohammad Hafeez, Director of the Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team, who mentioned that the PCB was planning to introduce a new NOC policy for national cricketers participating in league cricket.
Hafeez emphasized the importance of players being available for Pakistan’s future tour programs when they sign a central contract with the PCB. He expressed concerns about injuries and fatigue during recent tournaments like the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup, which were attributed to players participating in league cricket.
Pakistan’s Certified Match-Fixer Salman Butt Gets Job Offer From Afghanistan Cricket Board
In another development, former cricketer and Pakistan’s certified match-fixer Salman Butt received a job from the Afghanistan Cricket Board, days after being removed from the selection panel of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Initially, along with Kamran Akmal and Iftikhar Anjum, Salman Butt had been designated as a consultant to the chief selector by the PCB, with their roles set to commence before the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in January.
However, following significant public criticism, the PCB rescinded Salman Butt’s appointment as a consultant to the chief selector.
Now, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has approached Salman Butt with an offer to serve as the Batting Consultant for the upcoming series against India, scheduled for the next month.
The controversy surrounding Salman Butt’s role in the PCB selection panel escalated after his removal, prompting the chief selector, Wahab Riaz, to address the matter in a press conference.
Riaz explained that Salman Butt’s appointment as a consultant had been under consideration, but due to the ongoing discussions and criticism, the decision was reversed.
Riaz clarified that he had informed Salman Butt that he would not be part of the selection team.
