LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has withdrawn the no-obligation certificate (NOC) issued earlier to former cricketers Sarfaraz Ahmed and Wahab Riaz.

The decision, confirmed by board sources on Saturday, means that two full-time PCB officials will no longer be associated with Quetta Gladiators.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, a member of the national selection committee, and Wahab Riaz, the mentor of the Pakistan women’s cricket team, were allowed to work as team director and bowling coach respectively.

The Board has now revoked these permits following a review of their obligations. The move reflects strict enforcement of the policy that permanent PCB officials cannot simultaneously play a role in domestic franchise cricket.

By implementing this division, the board aims to ensure that all officials within the national organization have a dedicated focus on their duties, reinforcing the principle of impartiality in the country’s cricket administration.

Following the resignation of former umpire Aleem Dar, Sarfaraz was named in the national men’s selection panel along with Misbah-ul-Haq on 5 March.

Despite being part of the committee, Misbah continues to serve as batting coach for Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

The reconstituted selection committee now has four members. Along with Misbah and Sarbaraz, the squad includes former fast bowlers Aqib Javed and Asad Shafiq.

Aleem Dar’s exit came amid reports of internal discord. Sources indicated that he felt increasingly sidelined during several ICC umpire-of-the-year selection meetings.

Meanwhile, Sarbaraz announced his retirement from international cricket on March 15, drawing the curtain on an illustrious career that spanned almost two decades.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who led Pakistan to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, made significant contributions across all three formats.

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