PCB Suspends NOCs for Overseas T20 Leagues

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially revoked all previously issued no-objection certificates (NOCs) that permitted players to participate in international T20 leagues. This decision was conveyed through a formal notification.

The directive, dated September 29, was communicated to players and their representatives by PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed, stating that, with the approval of the PCB Chairman, all NOCs granted for participation in leagues and other overseas tournaments are suspended until further notice.

The board has yet to release an official justification for this action.

This resolution surfaces shortly after Pakistan’s recent defeat against India in the Asia Cup final held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 28.

The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s primary first-class cricket competition, is slated to commence in October, having been rescheduled from its original start date of September 22.

It is currently undetermined whether any exceptions will be granted or how long the suspension will remain effective.

This change may have consequences for several prominent players, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, all of whom were expected to participate in the Big Bash League (BBL) beginning in December.

Furthermore, a contingent of 18 Pakistani players, including Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman, are among those shortlisted for the International League T20 (ILT20) auction, scheduled for October 1 in the UAE.

The schedule for the 15th season of the BBL has been announced, featuring 44 matches to be played in an early-evening time slot from December 14 to January 25, 2026.

The tournament is set to begin with a match between the Perth Scorchers and the Sydney Sixers at Perth Stadium.

Shaheen Afridi was selected by Brisbane Heat as their first overseas and platinum pick for the coming season.

Mohammad Rizwan has signed with Melbourne Renegades, while Haris Rauf remains with Melbourne Stars.

Hassan Khan will also return to the Renegades, and Shadab Khan has signed with Sydney Thunder.

Hasan Ali has been picked by Adelaide Strikers.