Shoaib Malik Supports PCB’s Decision to Deny NOC to Players

Veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik has voiced his support for the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) recent decision to withhold No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for key players Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Naseem Shah, thereby preventing them from participating in foreign leagues.

In a candid interview, Shoaib Malik underscored the importance of prioritizing national interests while also advocating for fair compensation for the players affected by such decisions. He stated,

Look, they have prioritized the national team and considered the workload so that your players can stay fresh. The Champions Trophy is not too far away, so they have taken everything into account and decided not to give the NOC. In my opinion, this is a good thing because the country comes first.

Shoaib Malik emphasized the necessity of ensuring that players are not financially disadvantaged by the loss of lucrative contracts abroad. “It’s okay that I’m losing it for the country, but players also deserve not to suffer so much that it becomes a mental torture. So, the numbers in the central contract should be such that if you don’t allow them to go like they aren’t giving the NOC now, the board has made a good decision, but at the same time, there should also be compensation for the players,” Malik added.

Addressing broader issues within Pakistan cricket, Malik commented on PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s suggestion that a “major surgery” might be needed following the team’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. Malik advised against drastic changes, advocating instead for continuity and patience.