Wahab Riaz and PCB official Usman Wahla fight online over NOCs: Usama Mir jumps in

Former Pakistan selector Wahab Riaz has revealed the shocking truth behind the controversial denial of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Usama Mir to play in the county cricket for Worcestershire.

Riaz confirmed that this conspiracy was hatched by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The former Pakistan pacer claimed that he had screenshots and emails that would expose the PCB, as he claimed that the national selectors had granted Usama Mir the NOC to play for Worcestershire.

Wahab Riaz claims PCB's role in denying Usama Mir's NOC for County Cricket

Recently, Usama recalled how his ambitions to play county cricket have been dashed after a NOC promised by the Pakistan cricket selectors was abruptly revoked.

After being dropped from the Pakistan cricket team, the star leg spinner asked for the NOC to play in England, and even he received a green signal from key selectors, including Wahab Riaz, Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, and Mohammad Yousuf.

Having got assurances, USA booked his flight to the UK, but only to find that the media falsely claimed he left without proper authorization. Just before his NOC submission deadline, Mir was informed it had been declined due to prior NOCs.

Despite pleading for an extension to maintain his relationship with the county team, the PCB canceled the 28-year-old's request, leaving him frustrated.

I was told that your NOC has declined at the last moment: Usama Mir

Usama Mir told PakPassion journalist Saj Sadiq: “After being dropped from the Pakistan team, I accepted the decision and asked for a NOC to play county cricket. All the selectors, including Wahab Riaz, Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, and Mohammad Yousuf, have given me a green signal. Wahab bhai confirmed to me that no selector had any objection and promised me the NOC. I booked my ticket and traveled to the UK.

But later the media wrongly reported that I left on my own. I went because I was promised to grant NOC. It was the last day when I had to submit. I was told that your NOC has declined. So, when I asked the reason, they told me that I had already taken two NOCs. Despite my plea for an extension and even asking to consider the next cycle to save my relationship with the county side, the NOC was ultimately canceled.”

Lots of chat from various people at the PCB, ex-players and former selectors about Usama Mir's NOC being rejected. Usama spoke with me recently and made it clear that he had approval for the NOC but PCB then changed their mind #Cricket pic.twitter.com/Qv6VCPtgfH

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) October 12, 2024

We had approved Usama Mir's NOC, but PCB declined: Wahab Riaz

Later, Wahab Riaz confirmed the controversy surrounding the USA's situation, stating that the selection committee had initially approved the NOC. However, upon his arrival in England, USA got a surprise while contacting PCB officials for clarification. He revealed that Salman Naseeb and Usman Wahla didn’t pick up the player and his calls.

Reacting to Usama Mir’s claims, Wahab Riaz admitted that the player was informed that his NOC was approved, and the selection committee confirmed they granted him special permission. However, after reaching England, Osama was denied his NOC, despite assurances.

Riaz added, “Usama tried contacting officials, including Salman Naseeb and Usman Wahla, but received no response. Even USA called me multiple times and also tried to contact Usman Wahla, but the Director of International Cricket Operations didn’t respond to our calls. I also tried to contact PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. His NOC was ultimately cancelled by the PCB.”

Really ??? The screenshots , the emails would not lie will tell the exact story as it was . Do I really have to proceed with records . There is a lot to say but right now I only answered what was questioned to me .

If someone wants to deny I will give share the proofs .

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) October 12, 2024