Pakistan’s leg-spinner Usama Mir was anticipated to play in the T20 Blast this season with Worcestershire Rapids, with availability for the franchise throughout the season. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not grant him the No Objection Certificate (NOC) due to specific restrictions outlined in his recently signed three-year central contract with the PCB, which limits his participation in international T20 leagues.
In a statement, the PCB emphasized, “All NOCs are subject to national duty,” underscoring the policy that ensures players prioritize national team commitments over foreign leagues. Under the terms of his central contract, Mir is permitted to participate in only two other T20 leagues besides the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Usama Mir has already used these opportunities by playing in five matches in the Big Bash League (BBL) and representing Manchester Originals in the Hundred tournament in August last year. Previously, the PCB had pulled him out of the BBL midway through the season after recalling him to the national side for a five-match T20I series in New Zealand.
Given that his contract was extended from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, the PCB’s stance remains firm, rendering him ineligible for any further league participation. Despite not being selected for the 15-man squad for the ICC T20 World Cup in June, which will be held in the USA and the Caribbean, Worcestershire had hoped to secure Mir for the full season once he was on board.
