The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is scrambling to finalize a backup plan for an upcoming T20 Tri-Series. The primary concern is the uncertain participation of Afghanistan, largely due to ongoing military tensions between the two nations. This crucial series, which also involves Sri Lanka, is currently slated for November 17-29.
According to insiders, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prepare an alternative schedule, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring the Tri-Series proceeds as planned.
Adding another layer of complexity, Sri Lanka has also extended an invitation to the PCB for a separate three-match T20 international series, proposed for January 1-10 in Colombo. This could directly conflict with the availability of several top Pakistani players.
A significant number of Pakistani cricketers, including stars like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, along with Shadab Khan, Hassan Khan, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali, have already committed to playing in Australia’s popular Big Bash League (BBL). For many, including Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen, this would be their debut BBL season. Cricket Australia had secured these players based on assurances regarding their availability.
A source close to the developments revealed, “If the series with Sri Lanka is confirmed for January, the PCB will face a difficult choice: either play without these key players or revise their No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), which would inevitably lead to a disagreement with Cricket Australia.”
Cricket Australia has already reached out to the PCB after the latter recently suspended player NOCs for various other leagues, highlighting the sensitivity of player availability.
Furthermore, another source disclosed that Cricket Australia officials have expressed their concern, noting that millions have already been invested in promotional campaigns featuring the Pakistani players for the Big Bash.
The Desert Vipers, a team in the Emirates International League, has also secured three Pakistani players for their upcoming season, further compounding the scheduling challenges.
Pakistan’s next major white-ball commitment before the ICC World T20 Cup is a home series against Australia in January, consisting of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals.
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