Moeen Ali Slams PCB For Not Granting NOC to Naseem Shah for The Hundred 2024
Naseem Shah was signed by Birmingham Phoenix ahead of the Hundred 2024.
The Birmingham Phoenix started their 2024 The Hundred campaign on a bad note, suffering an eight-wicket defeat against the Oval Invincibles on Tuesday, July 23.
Batting first, Birmingham was all out for 89 runs. In reply, the Oval Invincibles chased it down easily in 69 balls. Birmingham Phoenix’s bowling was below par.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Phoenix captain Moeen Ali expressed his disappointment over the unavailability of Naseem Shah, the young Pakistan fast-bowling sensation they signed before the tournament.
No NOC for Naseem Shah
However, Naseem Shah was not provided with a no-objection certificate by the Pakistan Cricket Board, forcing him to miss the tournament. Moeen Ali believes this has disrupted the team’s balance.
He further stated that if there is no commitment to the national cricket team and no ongoing matches, then players should be allowed to play in international leagues.
“Naseem Shah’s unavailability in The Hundred tournament is unfortunate as he was a top pick for our team,” Moeen Ali told Geo News.
“If the player has no national engagement, there is no problem in allowing him to play in a league.”
Notably, many Pakistan cricketers have been denied no-objection certificates by the Pakistan Cricket Board, as they want their players to prepare for the upcoming national team assignments.