GLT20: Replacement for Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan named by Vancouver Knights

• Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were denied NOCs for GLT20 Canada.
• PCB prioritizes player fitness for upcoming busy schedule.
• PCB allows players to participate in two franchise leagues.

The Global T20 League Canada franchise, Vancouver Knights, announced the replacements for Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) denied them no objection certificates (NOCs) to participate in the league.

Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi had requested the PCB to play in the league, but the PCB decided to give them rest as the Green Shirts have a busy schedule before the Champions Trophy 2025, which will be hosted in Pakistan.

Due to Pakistan’s packed schedule until May 2025, the PCB denied the NOCs to the players. The main priority for the Mohsin Naqvi-led board is the players’ fitness, ensuring they remain injury-free and well-rested.

However, the Knights named Australia’s Usman Khawaja as Rizwan’s replacement and South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks as Azam’s replacement. Mohammad Amir is now the only Pakistani player left in the squad, and he featured in their opening match against the Toronto Nationals.

Earlier, the PCB also decided against granting fast bowler Naseem Shah an NOC for The Hundred cricket league. This decision will deprive Naseem of around Rs45 million, as he was signed by the Birmingham Phoenix team for £125,000.

It is worth mentioning that the PCB’s policy allows players to participate in two franchise cricket leagues alongside the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

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