Reports: Pakistan cricketers consider terminating central contract amidst ongoing NOC disputes with PCB

Pakistan-Team. (Photo Source: Twitter)

In a recent turn of events, frustration is brewing among Pakistani cricketers as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stands firm on its decision not to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players participating in specific overseas T20 leagues. The situation has escalated to the point where some players are contemplating leaving their central contracts with the PCB.

The most recent case involves Mohammad Haris, who was denied an NOC to join the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Haris had already landed in Bangladesh, geared up to represent the Chattogram Challengers, only to be abruptly sent back to Pakistan due to the PCB’s stance. Zaman Khan and Fakhar Zaman have also faced similar NOC refusals.

“The matter has come to a head because recently the board refused NOCs to some players including Zaman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Haris to play in the Bangladesh Premier League on the grounds that they had already played two leagues besides the Pakistan Super League,” a source said as quoted by TOI.

Haris Rauf encountered NOC issues for the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 season. The PCB insisted on his participation in the domestic T20 competition first but then complicated matters further by his exclusion from the Test squad for the Australian tour.

The PCB’s hesitancy extends to other ongoing T20 leagues, such as the SA20 and ILT20. Players argue that, given the absence of Pakistan assignments before the Pakistan Super League (PSL), there’s no justification for the board to restrict their participation in other lucrative leagues.

“The players feel that when there is no Pakistan assignment before the PSL why should the board stop them from playing in other leagues where they have good contracts,” another source added.

While some cricketers face NOC refusals, the PCB has granted NOCs to top stars like Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam for their commitments in the ILT20 and BPL, emphasizing a perceived inconsistency in the board’s approach.

The controversy adds an unexpected layer to Pakistan’s T20 World Cup preparations, already under scrutiny following a disappointing T20I series loss against New Zealand. The changes made by the team management have not yielded positive results, setting a challenging tone for the Men in Green as they gear up for the 2024 T20 World Cup.