Reports Indicate PCB Refuses to Extend NOCs for Pakistani Cricketers in Foreign T20 Leagues

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a firm position by opting not to extend Non-objection Certificates (NOCs) for Pakistani players interested in participating in foreign T20 leagues, according to Cricket Pakistan. Despite ongoing appeals from Pakistani cricketers, the PCB remains steadfast in its decision. Currently, some Pakistan players are actively involved in the ILT20 and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL 2024). The PCB’s stance persists, even though these leagues, along with the Big Bash League in Australia, are major platforms for Pakistani cricketers.

Insiders from the PCB disclose that numerous cricketers had requested NOC extensions to leverage opportunities in renowned leagues. Nevertheless, following a thorough evaluation, the board has opted not to grant extensions, resulting in disappointment for some key players. The abrupt denial from the PCB has created challenges for these players, leading to the recall of even those who are not presently part of the national team.

PCB Plans to Summon National Players for PSL Season

In the interim, players are permitted to engage in foreign commitments until the commencement of the PSL. The upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL 9) is scheduled to kick off on February 17. Nonetheless, franchise owners express discontent with the sluggish progress of preparations and remain uncertain about whether the season will commence as scheduled.

A player has reportedly expressed concerns to a PCB official. The PCB has instructed players to be available for the PSL, requiring them to play until February 13, with one player securing permission to play until February 16.

Following their recent international season, where Pakistan faced Australia and New Zealand before the start of the ILT20, they experienced a 3-0 whitewash against Australia and also lost the T20I series against New Zealand.

Notable Pakistani players, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Muhammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Shadab Khan, Aamer Jamal, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Muhammad Amir, Muhammad Hasnain, Ahmed Shehzad, and Shoaib Malik, are actively participating in the two leagues.

Reports suggest a potential rift between players and the management. Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain and coach Misbah-ul-Haq recently remarked that both foreign and local coaches are reluctant to work with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) due to its ‘haphazard’ policies.

Misbah-ul-Haq expressed, “When you examine the board’s policies, it’s not just foreign coaches; I don’t believe even our local coaches are eager to collaborate with the PCB. The management of Pakistan cricket should not be conducted in such a haphazard manner; instead, we should establish long-term plans for the team management, selectors, and player development. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, a shift in the board’s leadership disrupts everything.”

Misbah-ul-Haq added, “I firmly believe that creating a strong team and nurturing quality players requires adequate time in the process. It is essential for us to examine the systems of other successful countries.”

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