Nepal Premier League accuses PCB of seeking $25,000 per Pakistani player for NOCs: Reports

The participation of Pakistani cricketers in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) has come into question after league officials reportedly accused the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of seeking USD 25,000 for each player who needs a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play in the tournament.

According to reports, the PCB, led by chairman Mohsin Naqvi, has allegedly asked for the fee to issue NOCs to Pakistani players taking part in overseas franchise leagues. The reported demand has raised concerns among Nepal Premier League officials as they prepare for the upcoming tournament in Kathmandu.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the alleged fee is linked to the NOCs required by Pakistani cricketers to play in overseas T20 leagues. The PCB has not publicly responded to the claim, and the reported dispute remains unresolved. The situation could affect the participation of Pakistani players in the Nepal Premier League.

PCB reportedly puts NOCs on hold as Nepal Premier League 2026 begins

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly put No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Pakistani players on hold as the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 prepares to begin. The delay could affect several Pakistani cricketers who have signed up for the tournament.

Several well-known Pakistani players are expected to feature in this edition of the NPL. The list includes T20 captain Sahibzada Farhan, along with Iftikhar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, Usama Mir and young fast bowler Hunain Shah. According to ESPNcricinfo, some players have already arrived in Nepal, while others are waiting for PCB clearance before travelling to join their respective teams.

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The reported delay comes amid claims that the PCB is seeking USD 25,000 for each player's NOC. However, it remains unclear whether the alleged payment demand is the main reason for the hold-up or whether formal communication has taken place between the two sides. The PCB has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, leaving the situation uncertain as the tournament approaches.

NPL officials allege $25,000 fee per player, but no written demand confirmed

The Nepal Premier League (NPL) officials have reportedly alleged that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is seeking USD 25,000 per player for No Objection Certificates (NOCs). However, no written demand has been confirmed, and the exact terms of the reported dispute remain unclear. The issue has raised concerns about the participation of Pakistani cricketers in the tournament.

According to reports, the players involved are not currently required for Pakistan's Test or ODI assignments, and no immediate T20I commitments have been announced. The PCB's revised player-contract framework was understood to give players, especially those focused on T20 cricket, more opportunities to play in overseas franchise leagues, provided their commitments did not clash with international matches. However, players still need to follow the board's clearance procedures and meet the terms of their contracts to participate.

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The reported dispute has not yet been resolved, and the PCB has not publicly explained the alleged USD 25,000 fee. It remains unclear whether the league and the board will reach an agreement or whether any players will miss the tournament. Until either side provides further details, uncertainty remains over the players' NOCs and their availability for the Nepal Premier League.

Sahibzada Farhan, Iftikhar Ahmed and Hasan Ali wait as teams await PCB’s decision

Sahibzada Farhan, Iftikhar Ahmed and Hasan Ali are among the Pakistani cricketers waiting for clarity on their No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The reported demand for USD 25,000 per player has raised concerns among the teams, although it remains unclear whether a formal written demand has been made. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.

The situation has left the players and their franchises waiting for a decision. None of the Pakistani players signed for the NPL are reportedly part of Pakistan's current Test or ODI teams, and the national side has no immediate T20I assignment scheduled. Although the PCB's revised contract system was expected to give T20 specialists more freedom to play in overseas franchise leagues, the players' participation still depends on the board's clearance rules and contract terms.

The issue is not new, as Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise owners in the United States reportedly raised similar concerns about the alleged USD 25,000 fee. According to reports, the San Francisco Unicorns agreed to pay the fee for Haris Rauf, the only Pakistani player in the league that season. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had also announced a new contract system that included a category for T20 specialists, who were expected to have greater freedom to play in franchise leagues. However, the reported NPL dispute remains unresolved, and the players are waiting for clarity on their NOCs.