The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has revoked left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad's no-objection certificate (NOC) to play for St Lucia Kings in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026. St Lucia Kings are disappointed to not have Noor's services for the season. They have named in-form New Zealand opener Tim Seifert as his replacement for the remainder of the season.
"Noor will no longer be available to represent the Saint Lucia Kings for the remainder of the tournament," the CPL franchise said in a statement. "The franchise is disappointed that Noor will be unable to join the team and wishes him all the best.
ALSO READ: 'Preserve him for Test format': Pujara urges in-form Suthar to not abandon his strength for IPL
"In the meantime, the St Lucia Kings look forward to welcoming Tim Seifert, who is currently on his way to Saint Lucia to join the squad."
ALSO READ: England pacer Josh Tongue becomes 1st to take 50 wickets in WTC 2025-27, overtakes Mitchell Starc
Noor had recently played in the Hundred Men's Competition 2026 final for Manchester Super Giants against Trent Rockets. He had taken three wickets, playing alongside his CPL replacement Seifert who scored a 38-ball 72 in the successful run chase.
India T20I series behind Noor’s revoked NOC?
ACB revoked Noor’s NOC after the announcement of the three-T20I series between Afghanistan and India in September. St Lucia Kings' last league stage match in the season is September 9 whereas the three-T20I series in Delhi begins on September 13. Noor would've missed the playoffs and the final but played all league stage matches for the franchise if ACB allowed him to. ACB may have taken the drastic step to ensure that Noor remains injury-free for the T20I series against reigning T20 World Champions.
Huge blow to St Lucia Kings
Noor had made his CPL debut in 2024 for Kings. From 12 games, he took 22 wickets at an average of 13.22. His economy rate of 6.19 runs per over stood out as well. St Lucia Kings went on to win their maiden CPL title.
In the ongoing season, St Lucia Kings have managed two wins from five games and are placed fourth on the points table. They have five more games remaining to ensure a top-four finish in the league stage.
Seifert boost for Kings
After a successful The Hundred season, Seifert is set to join the Roston Chase-led side. He is likely to be available for their next fixture against Jamaica Kingsmen on August 21.
Seifert was part of St Lucia Kings' 2024 title triumph as well in addition to the previous season. In the previous season, he played 12 games for St Lucia Kings, scoring 396 runs at an average of 44 and strike rate of 169.23. He scored a ton and two fifties. Earlier, he has represented Trinbago Knight Riders in three CPL seasons.