These Pakistani players will take part in CPL 2024

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to four prominent Pakistani players for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024. Fast bowler Mohammad Amir, wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan, opener Fakhar Zaman, and all-rounder Imad Wasim are the players who have received clearance to participate in this highly anticipated T20 tournament. The 12th edition of the CPL is scheduled to take place from August 29 to October 6, featuring six teams battling for the title.

Pakistani players to feature across two CPL teams

Azam Khan will don the colors of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, while Mohammad Amir, Fakhar Zaman, and Imad Wasim will be representing the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. These experienced players are expected to add significant strength to their respective teams, enhancing the overall competitiveness of the tournament.

However, not all Pakistani players were granted NOCs. Saim Ayub, who played a pivotal role in Guyana Amazon Warriors’ title win last season, was denied an NOC due to his ongoing commitments with the Pakistan Test team. Saim is currently part of the Pakistan squad for the ongoing two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which has taken priority over his participation in the CPL.

This move by the PCB follows a pattern, as last month, NOCs were also denied to key players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the Global T20 (GT20) Canada 2024, citing Pakistan’s packed cricket schedule. Similarly, fast bowler Naseem Shah was refused an NOC for The Hundred, highlighting the PCB’s focus on national duties over franchise commitments, especially with upcoming international fixtures and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon.

The selective issuing of NOCs underscores the PCB’s strategic approach in balancing player welfare, development opportunities, and national team commitments, ensuring that players are in peak condition for critical international competitions.