PCB strictly enforcing two-NOC policy following WC exit

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to strictly enforce its two-NOCs policy for T20 leagues in the wake of the national team’s disappointing performance and first-round exit from the T20 World Cup held in the US.

This policy limits players to participate in a maximum of two overseas leagues per year. All centrally and domestically contracted players must adhere to a clause requiring them to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participation in no more than two overseas leagues per year.

Despite being retained by their respective teams in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) this season, young players Azam Khan and Saim Ayub have not been issued NOCs. Both were part of Pakistan’s World Cup squad.

An official PCB source stated, “The other players have also been given a clear message that the two NOCs rule applies to both centrally and domestically contracted players, and the board also reserves the right to turn down any NOC request from any player.” The PCB retains the right to refuse an NOC if it believes a player’s workload and fitness may be compromised or if the player is needed for domestic duties.

Recently, leg-spinner Usama Mir was informed that he had reached his quota of two leagues for the year, despite his argument that he was free of international commitments and domestic events.

“Mir argued that, since he was free of any international commitments and there were no domestic events, he should be allowed to play in England. However, he was told that this decision is not for him to make but for the board to decide,” the source added. The PCB has communicated to other cricket boards and franchises organising T20 leagues that signing Pakistani players without a PCB-issued NOC would be at their own risk.