PCB ‘allows’ four CPL cricketers

On Tuesday, sources told Geo News that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approved four national players to play in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) starting this weekend. Sources said wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan, explosive opener Fakhar Zaman, fast bowler Mohammad Amir, and all-rounder Imad Wasim received NOCs. According to sources, the board denied 22-year-old opener Saim Ayub’s plea for a NOC to attend.

He was denied permission since he is playing in the two-Test series against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi with the national Test squad. Azam Khan will play for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, while Fakhar Zaman will join the Falcons, along with Amir and Wasim.

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi were refused Global T20 League Canada participation last month by the PCB. The cricketers were denied the NOC because the board wanted to rest them before the Champions Trophy 2025.

The PCB denied the NOC request since the national team’s schedule until May 2025 is full. The ninth Champions Trophy will be held in the country from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The Mohsin Naqvi-led board prioritizes player fitness and rest. The Pakistan Cricket Board allows players to play in two franchise cricket leagues in addition to the PSL.