ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday rejected Melbourne Stars’ request for an extension in the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Haris Rauf and Usama Mir.
The PCB has already informed the Stars and Sydney Thunder, who wanted an extension for Zaman Khan, about their decision as all three players are part of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand which will begin on January 12.
The Stars submitted a formal request to PCB for an extension in NOC for Haris and Usama till the first week of January. The request was specifically for their availability until the commencement of the tour to New Zealand.
Melbourne Stars were keen on expanding their roster with the inclusion of these players.
Had the PCB agreed to Big Bash League (BBL) sides' request, Haris, Usama and Zaman would have potentially participated in three additional matches. The deadline for their availability, as per the initial NOC issued by PCB, was until December 28.
According to PCB's NOC regulations, Haris and Usama are expected to play their final BBL match on Thursday against Hobart Hurricanes. The PCB granted them permission to participate in five matches in total. The last scheduled match for both players under the current NOC is yet to take place.
The Melbourne Stars' request for an NOC extension aimed to allow these players to participate in three more matches, extending their availability until January 12.
Similarly, another BBL team, Sydney Thunder, also contacted PCB regarding Zaman Khan, submitting multiple requests for his NOC extension.
It is worth mentioning that Melbourne Stars announced earlier that it has introduced a designated seating area called "Pakistan Bay" on level 1 of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), an area that promises a unique and thrilling experience for cricket enthusiasts.
It also unveiled an exclusive membership called the "House of Rauf" for the BBL 13, which brings an unparalleled fan experience and allows fans to witness the exciting action live from "Pakistan Bay."
Melbourne Stars and the MCG aimed to create a memorable experience for fans with the introduction of Pakistan Bay and the House of Rauf membership.
Arfa Feroz Zake
