Pakistan is reportedly set to keep its active cricketers away from the upcoming Afghanistan Premier League T20, as relations between the two neighbouring countries remain strained.
The revived Afghanistan Premier League is scheduled to return later this year after an extended break. The franchise-based Twenty20 competition is set to be played in the United Arab Emirates, with the opening match currently scheduled for December 27. The league is expected to feature five teams and international players.
Reports circulating in Pakistani media suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board may not issue No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Pakistani players for participation in the tournament. According to these reports, Afghan franchises had approached several Pakistani players for potential contracts.
However, the reported decision has not been formally confirmed by the PCB in a public announcement. The situation comes amid a sharp deterioration in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and increased security tensions between the two countries.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has been preparing for the league’s return throughout 2026. It has already completed the sale of three franchise teams and opened the process for player registrations.
If Pakistani players are ultimately unable to participate, their absence would remove another cross-border connection from the tournament’s international player pool. The final participation status is expected to become clearer as the player registration and selection process moves forward.
For now, reports of Pakistan’s withdrawal remain subject to official confirmation from the PCB, while preparations for the Afghanistan Premier League continue in the UAE.
