Babar Azam, Rizwan’s replacement for GT20 Canada 2024 unveiled

Vancouver Knights have announced replacements for Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan for the ongoing Global T20 (GT20) Canada 2024.

Pakistan’s most reliable batting duo was scheduled to represent Vancouver Knights in the GT20 Canada 2024, however, they failed to secure the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

According to the cricketing body, the three all-format players were denied NOCs, in light of Pakistan’s busy and packed cricket calendar in the period from August 2024 to March 2025 which includes ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“The PCB had received NOC requests from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi for the Global T20 event, amongst other players,” stated PCB.

“The three are all-format cricketers and their services are expected to be required in the upcoming eight months during which Pakistan will play nine Tests, 14 ODIs, and nine T20Is.

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“As such, and in line with the PCB’s workload management policy, it is in the best interest of Pakistan cricket and the players that they skip the upcoming event in Canada so that they are in their best mental and physical shape for the season, which commences with the two-Test series against Bangladesh.”

The announcement rained on the Knights’ parade as Mohammad Rizwan was set to lead the side, while Babar Azam was a major cog in their batting unit.

But they were forced to replace the duo, roping in South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks for Babar, while Australian top-order batter Usman Khawaja replaced Rizwan.

Khawaja led the Vancouver Knights in the GT20 Canada 2024 opener against the Toronto Nationals.

While batting first, the Knights were bowled out for a meagre 110, thanks to Junaid Siddiqui’s four-fer. Toronto Nationals’ captain Colin Munro led his side to a comfortable victory with a 44-run knock.

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