Cricket

Pakistan's star cricketers Babar Azam, Mohammed Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi are likely to be denied No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in the upcoming Global T20 Canada tournament, according to sources. The decision stems from the PCB's policy of prioritizing international commitments and safeguarding player fitness.Despite the tournament schedule not conflicting with Pakistan's international fixtures, the sources indicate that the players will not receive NOCs. Pakistan is set to play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh starting August 21, while the Global T20 Canada runs from July 25 to August 11.The PCB's stance is driven by the hectic schedule ahead for the players, particularly those involved in all formats. Star pacer Naseem Shah was also denied an NOC last week to feature in The Hundred due to concerns about his injury history.Apart from the star trio, other Pakistani players with Global T20 Canada contracts include Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Asif Ali, and Iftikhar Ahmed. PCB chairman Naqvi had earlier stated that NOCs would be granted based on specific criteria, including fitness and performance.However, Pakistan's red-ball head coach Jason Gillispie has hinted at the possible unavailability of Shaheen Afridi for the Test series against Bangladesh due to the impending birth of his first child.The PCB's decision to prioritize international commitments and player fitness is a significant development in Pakistani cricket. It reflects the board's commitment to building a strong and competitive team for the future.

Pakistan's assistant coach, Azhar Mahmood, has downplayed concerns over the strike rate of star batters Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan, emphasizing that the team's primary issue lies in losing wickets after establishing partnerships.Ahead of Pakistan's crucial T20 World Cup match against Canada, Mahmood addressed the media, stating that the team's batting performance has been hindered by a lack of sustained partnerships. "The problem is that your partnership is established, you get a platform set, and then in the ten to fifteen over period, you lose your wickets," he explained.Mahmood highlighted the importance of maintaining partnerships in T20 cricket, as they can significantly impact the outcome of a match. "If you get a partnership, because T20 format is a short format - so even if you set one partnership it can win the game. You have control of the game," he said.Despite Pakistan's disappointing start to the tournament, losing to both the USA and India, Mahmood remains optimistic. He acknowledged that the team needs a bit of luck in a big tournament and that their strategies have not yet yielded the desired results."It is very important - shot selection and decision-making. If you take the right decision at the right time, that will benefit you. It can come from nerves, or the fear of failure also - because until you do not have calmness - and until your body is tight, your decisions will be wrong," he said.Mahmood also dismissed suggestions that Pakistan's players are not following proper dietary plans, emphasizing that all teams in the world adhere to such regimens. "When we lose, we feel that we are not following this, we are not following that. If we had won, you would not be asking me this question," he added.