- PCB denied NOC to Naseem Shah.
- Naseem to miss out on £125,000 contract.
- PCB prioritizing fitness for upcoming Test matches.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted not to issue the No Objection Certificate for fast bowler Naseem Shah, preventing his participation in The Hundred cricket league. This decision, guided by workload management, will cost Naseem approximately Rs 45 million, as he was contracted by the Birmingham Phoenix for £125,000.
The board’s decision is a precautionary measure to ensure Naseem’s readiness for the pivotal World Test Championship matches. His NOC application was declined to safeguard him against potential injuries, considering his involvement in all formats of the game for the national team and previous fitness issues.
Naseem had shoulder surgery in October 2023, which led to his exclusion from the ICC World Cup 2023. Post-surgery, he was advised to rest and undergo rehabilitation for four to six weeks, resulting in a three to four-month break from cricket.
During the Asia Cup 2023 match against India, Naseem left the field with an injury, leading to his withdrawal from the tournament. The injury was to a muscle beneath his bowling shoulder. The PCB later confirmed his absence from the remaining matches.
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