Top Pakistani Cricketers Mull Contract Terminations Over NOC Denials for Foreign T20 Leagues

In a brewing crisis for Pakistani cricketers, several top-tier cricketers are weighing the option of terminating their central contracts with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after facing denials for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in foreign T20 leagues. Sources within the team management revealed that a majority of centrally contracted players are discontented with the board’s decision, citing restrictions on their participation in overseas leagues despite being free from national commitments.

The issue reached a critical point recently when the PCB declined NOCs to prominent players, including Zaman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Muhammad Haris, all of whom hold central contracts, preventing them from participating in the Bangladesh Premier League. The board’s rationale was based on the players’ previous participation in two leagues alongside the Pakistan Super League. Haris Rauf also faced NOC hurdles for the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 season, with the PCB urging him to take part in the domestic T20 competition first.

Amidst the growing discontent, players perceive the PCB’s reluctance to approve NOCs for ongoing T20 leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Abu Dhabi T10 League. The palpable frustration has left some players contemplating the extreme measure of quitting the national team.

The uncertainty surrounding this matter is heightened by the players’ concerns, and it remains to be seen how the PCB will navigate through the brewing crisis. As tensions escalate, cricket enthusiasts anxiously await updates on the resolution of this contentious issue that threatens to impact the country’s cricketing landscape.