(Credit PCB)

Pakistan spinner Usama Mir has spoken out about his frustration and disappointment over a recent issue. He disclosed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unexpectedly refused to grant him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the T20 Blast, despite an earlier promise. 

Mir, who was poised to return to Worcestershire Rapids for the tournament after being left out of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad, was caught off guard by the PCB’s sudden decision.

Usama Mir recounts how the PCB reneged on promises and blocked his NOC for the T20 Blast.

Usama Mir had eagerly signed with Worcestershire Rapids, anticipating a spot in the T20 Blast that began on May 30. However, in an unexpected turn of events that has stunned both fans and fellow cricketers, his request for a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) was denied, despite earlier assurances from national selectors.

The situation unfolded dramatically after Mir had already traveled to England, having been reassured by PCB officials and selectors—including Wahab Riaz, Abdur Razzaq, and Mohammad Yousuf—that his NOC would be approved. With this confirmation, Mir booked his travel and began preparations in England.

To his dismay, the PCB later refused to issue the NOC, citing that Mir had already used his two allotted NOCs for the season: one for the T20 Blast in August 2023 and another for the Big Bash League in December. Despite Mir’s arguments that his participation would not conflict with his central contract and his request for the NOC to be considered for the following season, the PCB remained resolute in their decision.

This refusal has not only dashed Mir’s immediate plans but also strained his relationship with Worcestershire Rapids. Currently, Mir is participating in The Hundred 2024, where he is playing for the Manchester Originals.

I was told my NOC was declined by the PCB: Mir

Usama Mir said in a video with journalist Saj Sadiq: “I was dropped from the T20 World Cup squad, following which I requested the NOC. I got a call from the selectors, including Wahab Riaz, Abdur Razzaq, and Mohammad Yousuf, and they told me to go to England. Wahab bhai asked the selectors if they had an objection to Usama playing in the T20 Blast, and they all said no.”

Mir further revealed, “They told me I would get the NOC the next day and I could go to England, and accordingly, I booked my tickets and went. I started my practice and kept asking about the NOC, and on the last day of submissions, I was told my NOC was declined. When I asked why, they said I had already taken two NOCs.

I tried my best and argued that my relationship with the county would be ruined. A month was left for the new season to begin, so I asked if they would consider this as the NOC for the upcoming season. I didn’t come on my own here, but it was cancelled.”