The 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has hit an early setback for the Saint Lucia Kings, who will be forced to take the field without star left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) revoked his No Objection Certificate (NOC) — the mandatory administrative clearance required for international cricketers to compete in overseas franchise tournaments.
Ahmad, 21, was a foundational piece of the Kings’ historic 2024 CPL title run. The young spinner led the entire squad in wickets last season, proving particularly devastating on the slow, spin-friendly pitches common across Caribbean venues, where his left-arm spin consistently troubled batters. His absence leaves a significant gap in the Kings’ bowling attack ahead of the new campaign.
Moving quickly to shore up their roster, the franchise has signed South African-born American slow left-arm spinner Obus Pienaar as a direct replacement for Ahmad. Pienaar, a right-handed batter who adds all-around depth to the squad, is already en route to Saint Lucia to join the team ahead of their upcoming home fixtures.
To contextualize the NOC policy that led to Ahmad’s withdrawal: these official documents, issued by a player’s home national cricket board, are designed to prioritize national team commitments over participation in global T20 franchise leagues, while also helping governing bodies manage player workload and fitness to avoid injury fatigue. Sources indicate Ahmad recently completed a stint in England’s popular The Hundred competition, leading the ACB to revoke his clearance for the CPL.
In an official public statement released this week, the Saint Lucia Kings franchise acknowledged the disappointment of the development. “We are disappointed that Noor will be unable to join the team and wishes him all the best,” the statement read, adding that the squad remains fully “focused on the matches ahead.”
Beyond the Ahmad shakeup, the Kings have provided updates on two other roster moves. New Zealand opening wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert is still confirmed to be available for the remainder of the tournament, easing fan concerns about a second high-profile withdrawal. Additionally, West Indies opening batter John Campbell has been brought into the squad as a temporary replacement for Jewel Andrew, who is currently sidelined while recovering from an ongoing injury.