Pakistan’s leg-spinner Usama Mir will miss the T20 Blast after the PCB denied him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC). Mir, who signed Worcestershire Rapids for the competition, was anticipated to be available throughout after being left out of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup team.
Mir was one of the players who inked three-year central contracts with the PCB after prolonged discussions in 2023. According to the deal, all centrally contracted players are entitled to compete in two franchise T20 tournaments. In addition to that Pakistan Super League each season.
According to the PCB, this makes him unable to participate in any future T20 competitions under his current contract cycle; That contract runs from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
Usama Mir’s Participation in Various Leagues
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Mir competed in the Hundred in August 2023, followed by the Big Bash League in 2023-24. At the same time, he hadn’t signed his primary contract when he played the Hundred. It was retroactively set to begin at the beginning of July.
The PCB took him out of the BBL after only five matches. After recalling him to the national team for a five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The PCB states that “all NOCs are subject to national duty”.
Given Mir’s limited BBL participation, it is known that the player. And Worcestershire – believed he had a good chance of receiving an NOC for the Blast. However, the PCB maintains that “PSL +2” is a non-negotiable guideline.
Mir participated in two international franchise leagues during the current cycle. Mir was Multan Sultans‘ leading wicket-taker in the 2024 PSL season. Although, he has not competed in any outside T20 competitions since. He also played for Manchester Originals in the Hundred last season and has been signed for the 2024 season on a £60,000 deal.
Also Read: Archie Vaughan Successfully Signs First Deal With Somerset
Replacement & Upcoming Campaign for Worcestershire
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Mir was a Blast standout last season, appearing in 11 games for Worcestershire. He scored 132 runs in six innings, with a strike rate of 162.96. Plus, he took 19 wickets at 16.89. He has been replaced by legspinner Hayden Walsh, one of West Indies’ five T20 World Cup reserves.
Walsh was suggested to Worcestershire by Jason Holder, who just left the club. “Hayden is a versatile and talented cricketer whose skills will be a great asset to our squad,” stated Worcestershire CEO Ashley Giles.
“He comes with a wonderful recommendation from Jason, which says much about his ability and personality. While Usama was unable to join us, we are optimistic that Hayden will fit right in and contribute significantly to our campaign.
Walsh remarked, “I am overjoyed to join Worcestershire and be a part of such a prestigious club.” Jason and Alzarri [Joseph] have spoken highly of the club and its players, and I am excited to contribute to their success. It’s a fantastic opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.
Worcestershire begin their T20 Blast campaign away to Yorkshire on Thursday night. With Josh Cobb and Tom Taylor both in position to earn their county debuts. Yorkshire has added Joe Root to its roster and expects him to be available for the first seven T20 encounters of the season.
Also Read: England vs Pakistan: Third T20I Fully Ruined By Rain
About the Author
Zartash Zulfiqar is a passionate cricket writer whose love for cricket shines through in every word. From match analyses to player profiles, she delivers insightful commentary that resonates with fans worldwide. Stay tuned for the latest from the world of cricket, brought to you by Zartash.
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