Saim Ayub and Mohsin Naqvi [Source: AFP]In a recent development, Pakistan all-rounder Saim Ayub has been named in the Jamaica Kingsmen squad for the Caribbean Premier League 2026. While players often feature in franchise cricket leagues overseas, Ayub's inclusion for Jamaica seems nothing out of the ordinary. However, it becomes a tough nut to crack for cricket fans when the context is brought to the surface. Notably, Saim Ayub had initially not been given permission by the Pakistan Cricket Board to play in the Caribbean Premier League 2026.Jamaica Kingsmen Welcome Saim Ayub Mid-Season In CPL 2026The Caribbean Premier League 2026 kicked off on August 8, with seven teams competing for the top spots. Currently, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents lead the points table with their dominant displays on the cricket field, while Jamaica Kingsmen are struggling at number four, with two wins from the five games they have played.After considerable struggles, the Jamaica Kingsmen announced Ayub's inclusion in the squad on August 21, with a montage video showing him playing cricketing shots in the nets for the Kingsmen.The franchise also welcomed him by posting the caption alongside the video, "Clear the tracks, it’s SHOWMAN TIME!"Jamaica Kingsmen @kingsmenjamaica Clear the tracks, it’s SHOWMAN TIME! 🎬 Aug 21, 2026, 2:47 PM Although Saim Ayub has been included in the batters category by the Kingsmen, he is also a potent bowling option and a solid all-rounder capable of troubling top-class batters. Hence, he becomes an addition to the unit led by Andre Russell, alongside Maaz Sadaqat, Keemo Paul, Hassan Khan, and Odean Smith.Also Read- Saim Ayub’s NOC Cancellation For PSL’s 2nd Costliest Team A New Fight For Mohsin NaqviSaim Ayub Was Initially Denied NOC By PCB For Overseas LeaguesAs per PCB regulations, No Objection Certificates are mandatory for players before they can travel overseas to participate in franchise leagues or any other tournament outside their national duty or domestic competitions.According to the list of player NOCs for 2026 released by the Pakistan Cricket Board, 11 players were cleared to play in CPL 2026. However, Ayub's name was nowhere to be found.Players like Usama Mir, Usman Tariq, Shadab Khan, and Sahibzada Farhan received clearance to participate in the tournament in the Caribbean. However, Ayub’s name was not on the list.Why Was Saim’s NOC Not Given By The PCB?Ayub's NOC was initially withheld because of his expected domestic and national workload commitments, including competitions such as the President's Cup and National Champions Cup. The PCB initially held back his clearance because of the conflicting domestic tournaments scheduled in Pakistan, which required him to participate.However, with the recent video from the Kingsmen welcoming the talented Pakistani cricketer to their squad, it appears that the situation could have changed, with the possibility that the PCB has now released him with a No Objection Certificate to play in the Caribbean Premier League.Did Saim Ayub Play CPL Before?For the unaware, Ayub has played in the CPL before. He featured for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in 2023 and played 13 matches during the tournament.He managed to score 478 runs at an average of 46.45 while striking at 142.26. In the process, he scored four fifties and also picked up one wicket for the team.Now, this will be Ayub's first stint with Jamaica Kingsmen as he arrives on the back of a below-par PSL 2026 campaign. He scored 258 runs from 13 innings at an average of 21.50, while also taking six wickets in the tournament.With Jamaica Kingsmen struggling for consistency in CPL 2026, Saim Ayub's arrival could provide the franchise with another dynamic option with both bat and ball. Also Read- England's Kate Cross Announces Retirement From All Forms Of Cricket
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