PCB prohibits T20 World Cup squad from playing in Bangladesh domestic tournament

Islamabad, Mar.17 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly prohibited players selected for the upcoming ICC T20 World Championship from taking part in Bangladesh's domestic T20 tournament, which is to be played in Sharjah.

According to the PakPassion.net, Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal, Mohammed Hafeez, Abdul Razzaq and Imtan Nazir had signed for the tournament beginning March 26 but insiders said the PCB do not want to risk these players ahead of the coveted T20 World Cup and is unlikely to grant them the no-objection certificates (NOC).

"The PCB want a fully fit squad for the World Cup and don't want to run the risk of any players getting injured in the Bangladesh Twenty20 competition. It's understandable why they have made this decision," said Umran Khan, manager of Razzaq and Afridi.

Khan said negotiations were on with the Bangladeshi tournament organisers to bring in some replacements for the players who are likely to withdraw their names from the tournament.

"I'm talking to the players who were named in the preliminary 30 man squad and not selected for the final 15, to see if they are interested to play in the competition. We are also talking to Shoaib Akhtar and Azhar Mahmood as possible replacements," he said . (ANI)