‘No NOCs for players ahead of Tests’

LAHORE:

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced a series of stringent measures to address the national cricket team’s recent poor performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies.

While addressing the journalists in Lahore, Naqvi emphasized accountability for the selection committee and set forth new criteria for player selection based on domestic cricket performance.

He also stated unequivocally that any member of the selection committee found to have made incorrect decisions or selections would be held accountable.

The PCB chief further declared that international players who do not participate in domestic cricket will be barred from rejoining the national team. While no decision has been made yet about replacing Babar Azam as captain, Naqvi indicated that former cricketers would be involved in the decision-making process.

He also acknowledged past mistakes and emphasized the importance of involving experienced former players in making future decisions.

Naqvi issued a stern warning to cricket fans, emphasizing that any misbehavior towards Pakistani cricketers, whether domestically or internationally, would have serious consequences.

He revealed that individuals who misbehaved with Haris Rauf had been reported to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

Discussing the players’ commitments to domestic cricket, Naqvi made it clear that national duty should come first. He announced that players who sought No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for participating in foreign leagues before the Test series would not be granted these permissions.

Notably, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan have requested NOCs for the GT20 league.

Naqvi stressed that only players who meet the fitness standards will be awarded central contracts. He assured that everyone would receive their rightful share under the central contract, which will be carefully reviewed. Both domestic and international cricketers must pass fitness tests, with no exceptions.

Various fitness assessments, including the Yo-Yo test, will be mandatory.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced significant changes to the central contract criteria for players. Speaking to the media in Lahore, Naqvi emphasized that fitness and performance would now determine eligibility for central contracts.

During informal discussions, Naqvi disclosed details of a productive video call with Shan Masood, highlighting positive feedback regarding Masood’s progress. Addressing the central contract issue, Naqvi underscored the priority of national commitments over league participation.

The PCB will issue a maximum of two No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players to participate in foreign leagues, with no NOCs granted during any ongoing series.

The board chief stressed that the revised central contract structure would reward players based on merit and fitness standards, ensuring transparency and accountability. Both domestic and international players must pass mandatory fitness tests to qualify for consideration.

Emphasizing domestic performance, Naqvi emphasized that players not actively participating in domestic cricket would not be eligible for national team selection.

Furthermore, Naqvi indicated scrutiny of team dynamics and adherence to team instructions during recent tournaments, hinting at potential disciplinary measures based on performance and conduct.

The new directives aim to streamline player accountability and performance standards within Pakistan’s cricketing setup, marking a significant shift in contractual obligations and team discipline under Naqvi’s leadership.