Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan's replacement for GT20 Canada 2024 revealed

Pakistan's white-ball skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who were scheduled to play in the GT20 Canada 2024 for the Vancouver Knights, are unavailable for the entire tournament as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has declined their No Objection Certificates (NOCs).

The PCB received NOC requests from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, among other players. 

However, considering Pakistan’s packed cricket schedule from August 2024 to March 2025—which includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025—the board has declined their requests. 

This decision was made in consultation with the players and the national selection committee.

Rizwan, who was named the skipper of the Vancouver Knights, was replaced by Australian batter Usman Khawaja, who is taking on the captaincy role. South African batter Reeza Hendricks has replaced Babar Azam. 

The only Pakistani player remaining in the Vancouver Knights squad is Mohammad Amir, who played in the opening match of the tournament against the Toronto Nationals.

After being asked to bat first in the match, the Vancouver Knights were bundled out for 110 runs in 19.3 overs. The Toronto Nationals chased down the target with ease, losing just two wickets and reaching the total in 14.4 overs.

Mohammad Amir was dismissed for Duck while batting, and during bowling, he bowled 2 overs conceded seven runs, and remained wicketless.