The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended all no-objection certificates (NOCs) for players seeking to participate in overseas T20 leagues. The decision was conveyed on September 29 by PCB’s chief operating officer, Sumair Ahmad Syed, through a notice sent to players and their agents. The circular confirmed that, with the chairman’s approval, all NOCs for international leagues and tournaments have been put on hold until further orders.
The PCB has not given an official explanation for this move. However, reports suggest that the board is considering linking NOC approvals to a performance-based system. Under this proposed model, a player’s eligibility for overseas leagues would depend on their recent contributions at the national and domestic levels. The criteria for this system have not yet been made public, nor has a timeline been set for when the suspension might be lifted.
The announcement came shortly after Pakistan’s narrow defeat to India in the Asia Cup final in Dubai, following a campaign that also included a tri-series victory. The suspension also coincides with the upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class competition, which is scheduled to begin in October after a slight delay.
The uncertainty around the decision leaves questions unanswered, particularly regarding exemptions or the duration of NOCs once they resume. The development could significantly impact Pakistani participation in global leagues. Seven prominent players, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, were due to feature in the Big Bash League starting December. Additionally, 18 Pakistan cricketers, including Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman, are part of the shortlist for the ILT20 auction set to take place on October 1 in the UAE. The PCB’s move could therefore have wide-ranging implications for players’ international opportunities.
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