Usama Mir reveals how PCB's shocking NOC rejection ruined his relationship with Worcestershire

Pakistan spinner Usama Mir has finally broken his silence on a saga that has left him dejected and frustrated. Mir revealed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shockingly denied him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the T20 Blast earlier this year despite an initial guarantee.

Mir, who was set to rejoin Worcestershire Rapids for the T20 Blast after being omitted from Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad, was blindsided by the PCB’s last-minute decision not to issue NOC to him despite assuring him to allow him to play in England’s tournament.

Usama Mir recalls how PCB blocked his NOC for T20 Blast after promises made

The spinner had signed a deal with Worcestershire Rapids with the hope of playing in the T20 Blast, which kicked off on May 30. However, in a shocking twist that has left fans and cricketers, Mir’s request for the NOC was turned down after giving him assurance from the national selectors.

The drama unfolded after Mir had already traveled to England, having been assured by PCB officials and selectors that his NOC would be granted. According to Mir, the former Pakistan selectors Wahab Riaz, Abdur Razzaq, and Mohammad Yousuf gave him the green light to go ahead with his plans.

They had confirmed that there were no objections to his participation, leading him to book his tickets and set off for England, and even he began to practice, but at the moment, the PCB didn’t issue the NOC for the T20 Blast, citing he has already played in two overseas tournaments.

The PCB cited that Mir had already utilized 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 his arguments that his participation would not interfere with his central contract and his plea for the NOC to be considered for the next season, the PCB remained firm on its stance.

Mir’s hopes were dashed, damaging his relationship with the English county. Currently, Mir is plying his trade in the ongoing The Hundred 2024, where he is representing 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.”