According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the PCB's decision could see players like Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam unable to take part in tournaments such as The Hundred in England and the Global T20 League in Canada. The controversy started with the PCB's decision to refuse a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Naseem Shah for his participation in The Hundred, where he was set to earn £125,000 playing for Birmingham Phoenix. This decision is likely just the beginning, as the PCB appears set to reject NOCs for other all-format players for similar tournaments, citing workload management as the primary reason. While the Global T20 League in Canada has not yet received official sanction from the ICC, which is a prerequisite for PCB-issued NOCs, it is believed that even with such approval, players like Afridi, Rizwan, and Azam will still be barred from participating. This move comes despite these tournaments not directly conflicting with any of Pakistan's international fixtures. The PCB's stance is driven by a desire to ensure players are well-rested ahead of a busy schedule that includes a two-match Test series against Bangladesh starting on August 21. An unnamed source from the PCB told ESPNcricinfo, "The PCB has to prioritize the national team's commitments, especially given the packed international calendar. Players' workload management is crucial." This stance has immediate consequences. Birmingham Phoenix will miss out on Naseem Shah next month, and the Global T20 League will lack the star power of Afridi, Rizwan, and Azam. However, the PCB's policy is not without exceptions. Players not considered all-format regulars, such as Usama Mir and Haris Rauf, will still be allowed to participate in The Hundred. The repercussions of the PCB's decision are likely to extend beyond the immediate future. Pakistan's cricket calendar from October to May is packed with international fixtures, including series against England, Australia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the West Indies, as well as the PSL and a home Champions Trophy. During this period, the PCB has made it clear that no NOC requests from all-format players will be entertained. This decision comes on the heels of Pakistan's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the first round. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had hinted at significant changes, but immediate actions were not taken until recently. The dismissal of Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the PCB selection committee is seen as part of this broader shakeup. As the PCB navigates these turbulent waters, the clash between national duties and lucrative foreign league opportunities will undoubtedly be a point of contention, raising questions about the balance between players' professional growth and national commitments.