The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shocked players and fans by suspending all No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas T20 leagues. The decision, communicated through a notice from COO Sumair Ahmad Syed on September 29, leaves many questions unanswered.
“With the approval of Chairman PCB, all NOCs for players with respect to participation in leagues and other out-of-country tournaments are hereby put on hold until further orders,” the notice read.
No reason, only speculation
The PCB has not given an official reason for the suspension. However, reports suggest the board may be planning a performance-based NOC system. The idea is to link overseas league opportunities with strong performances in national and domestic cricket. But no criteria, timelines, or details have been made public.
This means players are left in limbo, unsure when or if the suspension will be lifted.
Timing raises eyebrows
The move came just one day after Pakistan’s narrow loss to India in the Asia Cup final. While Pakistan also had success on tour, including a T20I tri-series win, the announcement has sparked speculation.
The timing also clashes with the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier domestic tournament, which starts in October. Some see the suspension as a way to push star players back into domestic cricket.
Impact on global leagues
The suspension has immediate and major consequences.
- Seven Pakistani players, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, were lined up to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) this December.
- Sixteen players are in the shortlist for the ILT20 auction, scheduled for October 1 in the UAE. That list includes Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman.
With NOCs suspended, their availability is now in serious doubt.
What’s next?
As of now, no exemptions or timelines have been shared. Until the PCB provides clarity, Pakistani cricketers remain stuck between national duty and lucrative overseas contracts.
The suspension could reshape how players prioritize international vs. franchise cricket, but for now, the future remains uncertain.
