Former Pakistan cricketer Sikander Bakht backed PCB’s decision to not give NOC to Pakistan players for the Global T20 Canada. Bakht was asked if PCB’s decision would cost the players financially to which he cited the example of Virat Kohli and said that the Indian players are not allowed to play in other leagues, adding that the players are paid well in Pakistan too, justifying the call to deny NOC. Bakht also slammed the players and PCB for hosting a private dinner for 25$.
Pakistan cricket is going through massive turmoil following their underwhelming performance in the T20 World Cup where the team made a first-round exit following defeats to the USA and India. The PCB took a stern stand after the shambolic show and sacked selection committee members Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq. The board also was strict on players and denied the NOCs to Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, among others, for the Global T20 Canada.
PCB clarified that the board denied NOC to players due to a packed cricketing calendar.
“The PCB had received NOC requests from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi for the Global T20 event, amongst other players. After taking into consideration Pakistan’s busy and packed cricket calendar in the period from August 2024 to March 2025, which includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and following consultations with the three players as well as the national selection committee, it has been decided to decline their requests,” PCB said in a statement.
During a Pakistan TV show, former cricketer Sikander Bakht was asked if the decision was harsh on players and if they would protest against the PCB for not giving NOCs. Bakht replied to the query by backing PCB’s decision to sack Wahab Riaz. Bakht questioned Wahab and the team’s decision to recall retired players. Notably, Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir made themselves available for the T20 World Cup and were picked in the squad for the showpiece event. However, the move backfired as they failed to make any impact.
Imad Wasim’s slow knock against India saw Pakistan lose from a position of strength. On the question of the players being denied NOC for Global T20 Canada which would affect the players financially, Bhakt made a stern remark and said that players were sold for $25. Bhakt was pointing toward the reports that claimed that Pakistan players hosted private dinners in the USA for just $25. Bhakt slammed the PCB and said that it made a mockery of Pakistan. He cited the example of Virat Kohli and Indian players, who are not allowed to play in other franchise leagues, and said that Pakistan players, like Indians, are also paid well, questioning the need to play in other leagues for financial gains.