PCB to drop Azam Khan & Saim Ayub from participating in CPL

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to drop Azam Khan and Saim Ayub from participating in the CPL (Caribbean Premier League). This decision follows PCB’s strict implementation of its two No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) policy for participating in T20 tournaments.

This policy implementation comes in response to the Pakistan cricket team’s recent bad performances, especially in the ICC Men’s T-20 World Cup 2024.

It aims to ensure that significant players remain accessible for national service. It will also maintain their recent fitness level to improve the team’s performance.

*Azam Khan (left) and Saim Ayub (right)*

Several players, notably Azam Khan and Saim Ayub have been retained by their respective teams for CPL. However, they have not received NOCs for the league due to PCB’s strict policy.

This move shows PCB’s dedication to putting the national team’s needs ahead of individual players in foreign leagues. However, promising young player Saim Ayub and aggressive batter Azam Khan are considered to be key players in CPL.

Their CPL teams looked forward to their contributions this season. However, they have suffered a great loss due to their absence from the league following the PCB decision.

PCB decided to drop Azam Khan as he only participated in one T20 World Cup and performed poorly there. However, Saim disappointed cricket fans and the management board by making only 23 runs in two innings.

PCB also implemented a policy that limits cricketers to play in no more than two leagues outside of the PSL per year. PSL refers to the Pakistan Super League.

*Pakistani cricketers can only participate in two foreign leagues every year based on the new PCB policy*

Click here to read the updates on PCB to cancel central contracts of players after T-20 World Cup exit

It will ensure their availability for significant international matches and end exhaustion due to their participation in massive leagues. So, they will actively participate in international matches.

This move is crucial as PCB tries to improve and develop its team in preparation for significant upcoming competitions. However, this new policy has received mixed reactions.

Some support PCB’s emphasis on national service. However, others raise concerns about possible effects on player’s growth and exposure to diverse playing environments.