PCB decides to give NOC to four cricketers for leagues: sources
BPL and ILT20 are starting from January 19, 2024
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted to grant No Objection Certificates (NOC) to four national cricketers for participation in various cricket leagues.
As per sources, the PCB has approved NOCs for the upcoming leagues for four cricketers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Wasim Jr.
T20I captain Shaheen Afridi is contracted with Desert Vipers in UAE's ILT20, while Babar, Rizwan, and Wasim Jr. have commitments with teams in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Sources further added that Fakhar Zaman and Azam Khan are still awaiting approval for their league participation, with permissions for national cricketers being evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Furthermore, it is reported that centrally contracted cricketers are being granted permission in accordance with the terms stipulated in their contracts.
Earlier, Geo News reported that PCB is planning to organise T10 matches in the last week of January.
The PCB is ambitiously aiming to include all national players in these T10 games, even those who have contractual commitments to participate in BPL and ILT20.
The decision to organise exhibition matches comes after the cricket board faced challenges in obtaining government approval for a dedicated T10 league.
The PCB had sealed a deal with the Middlesex County Cricket Club, signalling its determination to make the T10 matches a reality.
However, players slated to participate in the BPL and ILT20 are currently facing a roadblock, as they are yet to receive No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The delay in issuing these certificates has left the players disgruntled, considering their existing contractual obligations to the respective leagues.
To tackle the situation, Team Director Mohammad Hafeez has been entrusted with the task of ensuring the availability of all players for the T10 matches, aligning with the PCB's aspirations for a comprehensive representation of national talent in this format.
It must be noted that PCB's fascination with T10 has been ongoing. A recent statement from Zaka Ashraf, head of the PCB Management Committee, hinted at his ambition to see the league established during his tenure.
Zaka Ashraf is eager to make an impact on Pakistani cricket through a successful T10 League.
Comments