Pakistan cricketers express concern over mental health and denial of NOCs by PCB - Reports

A few top Pakistan cricketers have expressed concerns about mental health and the denial of NOCs to play in overseas leagues by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The conversation reportedly took place during the recently held connection camp as Cricket Pakistan sources cited the same.

The Men in Green have been facing scrutiny for some time now, having put in under-par performances. The year began with a 3-0 Test series loss in Australia, followed by a 4-1 T20I series defeat in New Zealand. Pakistan suffered a shocking group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 and a humiliating Test series loss to Bangladesh at home.

While the players acknowledged their recent poor performance, an unnamed cricketer commented:

"To perform well, we need a peaceful mind."

A player also expressed frustrations over the PCB's non-responsive attitude toward NOCs to play overseas leagues, saying:

"The PCB often postpones these requests, and we receive no response."

Players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shan Masood were present during the connection camp along with Test coach Jason Gillespie and white-ball coach Gary Kirsten.

Shan Masood retains captaincy as Pakistan name squad for 1st Test vs England

Meanwhile, the selectors have named the squad for the opening Test against England, beginning on October 7 in Multan. Masood, under fire for losing his first five Tests as captain, has retained his role as skipper.

Squad for first Test: Shan Masood (C), Saud Shakeel (VC), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK), Shaheen Shah Afridi.

England had inflicted a famous 3-0 series sweep on the hosts in 2022. Led by Ben Stokes, the Englishmen are set to arrive in Multan on October 2 ahead of the opening Test.