The cricketing world was taken aback when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to young pacer Naseem Shah for his participation in the upcoming The Hundred tournament.

The Hundred tournament

The Hundred, a revolutionary 100-ball cricket tournament in England, has garnered massive attention since its inception. This year, Birmingham Phoenix drafted Naseem Shah for a substantial sum of £125,000, reflecting their belief in his potential to be a game-changer.

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Reasons for NOC denial

The PCB’s decision to withhold Shah’s NOC primarily revolves around workload management and injury prevention. Given his recent injury history and the rigorous demands of international cricket, the board aims to ensure that Shah remains fit and available for crucial national duties.

Naseem Shah’s shoulder injury

Naseem Shah underwent shoulder surgery in October 2023, an injury that unfortunately sidelined him from the ICC World Cup 2023, where Pakistan’s campaign ended prematurely. The surgery required an extensive rehabilitation period of four to six weeks, followed by a gradual return to competitive cricket.

Naseem Shah’s Return to Cricket

After months of recovery, Shah made a triumphant return to the field during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024, where he played a pivotal role in Islamabad United’s title-winning campaign. His subsequent performances for the national team in T20Is and the T20 World Cup underscored his resilience and skill, reaffirming his importance to Pakistan cricket.

PCB’s stance on player workload

The PCB has consistently emphasized the importance of managing player workload to prevent injuries and ensure peak performance during critical matches. With key international fixtures on the horizon, including the World Test Championship matches against Bangladesh, the board is keen to keep its top players in optimal condition.

Impact on Birmingham Phoenix

The denial of NOC to Naseem Shah is a significant blow for Birmingham Phoenix, who had high hopes for the young pacer’s contributions. The team will now need to reassess their strategy and possibly look for a replacement to fill the void left by Shah’s absence.

Other players affected by PCB’s decisions

While Naseem Shah’s NOC was denied, Usama Mir has been granted permission to participate in The Hundred. However, other prominent Pakistani players like Shaheen Afridi and Imad Wasim are still awaiting their NOCs. Earlier reports indicated that NOCs for players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for the Global T20 Canada were also under consideration, pending ICC approval.