Pakistan cricket is going through various changes post-World Cup, especially within the team leadership, coaching staff, and team management. Fast bowler Wahab Riaz has taken on the role of chief selector. However, there has been discontent among the players since Wahab’s assumption of this responsibility.
According to Indian news agency PTI, Wahab is delaying issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign leagues, which the cricketers aren’t accepting. This has led to some players expressing their dissatisfaction, even hinting at their own unrest.
PTI’s sources suggest that Imad Wasim’s recent retirement might also be due to the unsettling situation surrounding playing in foreign leagues and the turmoil between the principal selector and the players. Before formally announcing his retirement last Friday, Imad had an eight-year international career.
The same source informed PTI that “Wahab has cautioned all players under central contracts that Pakistan will be given precedence over everything else. If anyone wishes to be considered for national duty, they must play domestic cricket.”
In this uncertain situation, cricketers haven’t received NOCs to play in T10 and T20 leagues in the UAE, Australia, and South Africa. The uncertainty has left the players concerned.
Moreover, PCB Chief Zakar Ashraf recently mentioned to the media that only cricketers under the central contract will be allowed to play in one foreign league. He emphasized the need for consistency in playing for the national team and the franchise league. However, this decision hasn’t been received well by many cricketers, some of whom are waiting anxiously for NOCs.
Wahab, who recently obtained the role of chief selector, has also emphasized the importance of playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) next year. He has stressed the balance between the responsibilities of playing for the national team and the franchise league. However, this decision by Wahab and Zakar isn’t being embraced by many cricketers, who are disturbed by the prospect of not getting NOCs.
