PCB denies NOC to Naseem Shah for The Hundred 2024

The young pacer was included in the £125,000 category, and his absence from the league will result in a financial loss of over four crore rupees

PHOTO: AFP

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has refused to grant Naseem Shah an NOC, preventing him from participating in The Hundred League starting in the third week of July.

The 2024 season is the fourth edition of The Hundred, a professional 100-ball cricket tournament featuring eight men's and women's teams based in major cities across England and Wales.

Sources indicate that the PCB decided against granting Shah an NOC due to his ongoing fitness issues. The decision aims to protect the fast bowler from potential injuries and manage his workload effectively.

Given Pakistan’s hectic and continuous cricket schedule for the new season, the PCB is unwilling to take any risks with Naseem's fitness.

As a result, Naseem Shah, who had signed a lucrative contract to represent Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, has been withdrawn from the tournament.

The young pacer was included in the £125,000 category, and his absence from the league will result in a financial loss of over four crore rupees.

Pakistan is gearing up for a two-match Test series against Bangladesh next month in August.

Bangladesh in Pakistan (Two Tests)