Pak cricketers allowed to compete in four T20 leagues

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has relayed No-Objection Certificate (NOC) policy for contracted players willing to compete in international leagues, allowing them to participate in four T20 Leagues including the Pakistan Super League (PSL) provided they fulfill all the given requirements.

Earlier, these players were only allowed to participate in two other leagues apart from PSL. Now all the centrally and domestically contracted cricketers are eligible to compete in four T20 Leagues in all.

“The policy had been reviewed and approved by the Board of Governors during their 57th meeting, subject to minor changes,” a PCB official confirmed.However, before seeking clearance for up to a maximum of four leagues, including the HBL Pakistan Super League, these players who either are contacted with the Board or with the provincial associations will have to fulfill all related conditions.

“Initial feedback and assessment of NOC requests will come through the International Cricket Operations department and national head coach/team management, who will carry out due diligence with respect to player workload and international commitments. As per NOC policies around the world, the Chief Executive of the Board will then be the final approving authority at the final stage of the process,” the official said.

The domestic players contracted by the Cricket Associations will be required to directly approach their respective associations for any NOC approvals in the first instance. Input and feedback will then be sought from the PCB cricket operations department, before moving to the last stage of the approval process.

“For domestic players, who don’t feature in red-ball cricket but are white-ball regulars, it is has been made mandatory for them to commit to domestic 50-over and 20-over competitions in order to be eligible for NOCs,” the official said.

As per the ICC regulations, both inactive and retired cricketers will require NOCs from the PCB for ICC approved events. However, the PCB will issue NOCs to players who have been retired for 24 months or more, unless there are compelling reasons which the PCB will have to provide in writing.

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “I think this is a flexible, balanced and comprehensive NOC policy which addresses as many of the likely scenarios that we will face.

“We have given primacy and importance to player workload, international and domestic commitments, but at the same time it was important that players are given the opportunities to make additional earnings and develop their skills around the world”.

“I am optimistic that moving forward, all the relevant stakeholders will have clarity and a better understanding of the process. To ensure that we maintain our relationships with cricket boards around the world, once granted, NOC’s will only be revoked if there are any injury concerns, or there are international or domestic playing obligations that need to be fulfilled.”