PCB not to issue NOCs for Ramzan cricket events

KARACHI: Night cricket tournaments in the holy month of Ramzan are quite popular all over the country, providing an important source of income for many first-class and club-level players.

But because of the coronavirus pandemic there will be no cricket tournaments in Ramzan, which begins in a few weeks time, after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Saturday that it will not issue NOCs for any cricket during the holy month.

“We have been approached by some organisers, seeking clarification on the PCB’s NOC policy for Ramzan cricket. At this time it is appropriate we follow our overarching policy which states that organised cricket in Pakistan will remain suspended until normalcy returns to society. In this background, the PCB will not issue any NOCs for Ramzan cricket,” the Board said in a statement.

“These are unprecedented, tough and challenging times for the world as all economic and sporting activities have come to a standstill with sole focus being on health and safety of the people. The PCB strongly urges organisers and cricketers to religiously follow all precautionary measures, including remaining indoors, maintaining social distancing and avoiding gatherings.

“The PCB takes the welfare and wellbeing of its staff and cricketers very seriously. It has around 220 professional cricketers on its payroll apart from its staffers. The PCB will ensure that full player salaries continue to be honoured until at least the end of the 2019-2020 financial year. Furthermore, we have put in place systems to ensure that monthly salaries are paid on time and without delay.

“The PCB is monitoring the situation in the country closely as it evolves and will amend its policy when appropriate,” the statement concluded.