Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah will not be participating in The Hundred cricket league. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to withhold a No Objection Certificate (NOC), preventing Shah from joining the Birmingham Phoenix franchise. This decision is primarily due to workload management concerns. The PCB considers Naseem a vital asset to the Pakistan team across all formats and aims to protect him from potential injuries. By prioritizing his fitness and availability for national duties, the PCB hopes to safeguard his long-term career.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) carefully considered Naseem Shah's workload and Pakistan's upcoming international matches before deciding against granting him a No Objection Certificate for The Hundred. The PCB believes this decision is crucial for safeguarding the pacer's long-term fitness and ensuring optimal performance for the national team.
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Notably, Pakistan's star pacer Naseem underwent shoulder surgery in October 2023, which sidelined him from the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. However, he made a comeback and featured in the recently-concluded T20 World Cup 2024 where Pakistan had an early exit.
While Naseem's absence from The Hundred is undoubtedly disappointing for both the player and the Birmingham Phoenix, the PCB's decision also carries a significant financial implication. Shah was signed by the Birmingham Phoenix for £125,000, equivalent to approximately Rs 4,50,95,241.18 Pakistani rupees, which he will now miss out on.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a stricter enforcement of its two-NOCs policy for T20 leagues. This decision comes in response to the national team's disappointing performance and early exit from the recent T20 World Cup. The PCB will now limit players to participating in a maximum of two overseas leagues per year, in addition to the Pakistan Super League. The board also reserves the right to deny NOC requests if it believes a player's workload or fitness could be compromised, or if their presence is required for domestic cricket.
The Hundred 2024 gets underway on July 24 with a clash between Birmingham Phoenix and Oval Invincibles. Last year's champions, Oval Invincibles, will be looking to defend their title against a Birmingham Phoenix side that failed to reach the playoffs, finishing sixth in the standings.
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