Former Pakistan coach Wahab Riaz has revealed the shocking truth behind the controversial denial of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Usama Mir play county cricket for Worcestershire.
Riaz confirmed that this conspiracy was hatched by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The former Pakistan pacer claimed he had screenshots and emails that would expose the PCB as he claimed that Usama Mir had been given the NOC by the national selectors 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 were dashed after an NOC promised by Pakistan cricket selectors was abruptly revoked.
After being dropped from the Pakistan cricket team, the star asked the NOC to play in England, and even received a green signal from key selectors including Wahab Riaz, Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq and Mohammad Yousuf.
Having obtained assurances, the US booked his flight to the UK, but only to discover that the media falsely claimed he left without proper authorisation. Just before the deadline for CON submission, Mir was informed that he had been rejected due to previous CONs.
Despite asking for an extension to maintain his relationship with the county team, the PCB canceled the 28-year-old’s application, leaving him frustrated.
They told me their NOC was denied at the last minute: Usama Mir
Usama Mir told PakPassion journalist Saj Sadiq: “After being dropped from the Pakistan team, I accepted the decision and applied for an NOC to play county cricket. All the selectors, including Wahab Riaz, Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq and Mohammad Yousuf, have given me the green signal. Wahab bhai confirmed to me that no selector had any objections and promised me the NOC. I booked my ticket and traveled to the UK.
But then the media wrongly reported that I left alone. I went because they promised to give me NOC. It was the last day I had to show up. They told me that their NOC has rejected. So when I asked the reason, they told me that I had already taken two NOCs. Despite my request for an extension and even asking to consider the next cycle to save my relationship with the county, the NOC was ultimately canceled.”
A lot of talk from various people from the PCB, former players and former selectors about the NOC’s rejection of Usama Mir. Usama spoke to me recently and made it clear that he had NOC approval, but then the PCB changed their mind. #Cricket pic.twitter.com/Qv6VCPtgfH
—Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) October 12, 2024
We had approved Usama Mir’s NOC, but PCB rejected it: Wahab Riaz
Subsequently, Wahab Riaz confirmed the controversy surrounding the United States situation, stating that the selection committee had initially approved the NOC. However, upon arrival in England, the US was in for a surprise by contacting PCB officials for clarification. He revealed that Salman Naseeb and Usman Wahla did not attend to the player or his calls.
Reacting to Usama Mir’s claims, Wahab Riaz admitted that the player was informed that his NOC had been approved and the selection committee confirmed that he had been granted special permission. However, after arriving in England, Osama was denied his NOC, despite assurances.
Riaz added: “Usama attempted to contact officials, including Salman Naseeb and Usman Wahla, but received no response. Even the United States called me several times and also tried to contact Usman Wahla, but Cricket’s Director of International Operations did not respond to our calls. I also tried to contact PCB president Mohsin Naqvi. His NOC was eventually canceled by the PCB.”
Actually ??? Screenshots and emails won’t lie and will tell the exact story as it was. Do I really have to proceed with the registrations? There is a lot to say but now I only answered what they asked me about.
If anyone wants to deny it, I will give them the evidence.
– Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) October 12, 2024
