PCB denies Melbourne Stars' request for NOC extension as deadline nears

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) turned down Melbourne Stars' plea for an extension of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for pacer Haris Rauf and spinner Usama Mir. The deadline for the NOC is set to expire on December 28.

According to a local media report, PCB conveyed its decision to both Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder, who sought an extension for Zaman Khan. All three players are crucial members of the squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled to commence on January 12.

Melbourne Stars formally requested an extension for Haris and Usama, specifically seeking permission for their availability until the first week of January. The inclusion of these players was eagerly anticipated by the Stars to bolster their roster.

If the PCB had granted the request from the Big Bash League (BBL) sides, Haris, Usama, and Zaman could have potentially played in three additional matches. The original NOC issued by the PCB allowed them to be available until December 28.

As per PCB's NOC regulations, Haris and Usama are expected to play their final BBL match against Hobart Hurricanes on Thursday. The current NOC permits them to participate in a total of five matches, with the last scheduled match yet to take place.

The Melbourne Stars' request aimed to extend the NOC until January 12, allowing the players to participate in three more matches. Similarly, Sydney Thunder also approached the PCB regarding Zaman Khan, submitting multiple requests for his NOC extension.