PCB has decided to suspend No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for its national players, stopping them from taking part in foreign leagues for now. The decision comes right after Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the Asia Cup.
An official notification was issued by PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, stating that all NOCs have been put on hold. This means players who were earlier cleared to play in overseas leagues will no longer be allowed to join them until further notice.
The suspension mainly affects Pakistani stars who were set to feature in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). Big names such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan were among those granted permission to play in the tournament, but the new order blocks their participation.
Sources close to the matter have warned that this move could create problems for players who have already signed contracts with foreign franchises.
Not only may their deals be affected, but it could also harm Pakistan’s cricketing reputation in international leagues. However, the board believes the focus should remain on national duty, especially with several important home and away series coming up.
Alongside this decision, the PCB also confirmed an 18-member squad for the Test series against South Africa starting on 12 October. Shan Masood will continue as captain, while uncapped players Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, and Rohail Nazir have been given opportunities.
The suspension of NOCs shows PCB’s intention to keep players fully committed to national cricket, though it has sparked debate on whether restricting overseas exposure could affect their growth.
