PCB issues NOC to Pakistan cricketers for global leagues

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given its nod by issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to national cricket players, paving the way for their participation in international cricket leagues like Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and International League T20 (ILT20).

PCB released a statement on Thursday stating, "The decision was made in the best interests of all the stakeholders involved while balancing the importance of game time with workload management."

Eminent Pakistani cricket figures including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Faheem Ashraf, and Usman Qadir, among others, have successfully secured positions in various teams participating in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). 

Rizwan is slated to exhibit his skills with the Comilla Victorians, Babar Azam will be seen in action for the Rangpur Riders, and Mohammad Wasim Jr is geared up to represent the Khulna Tigers.

Conversely, players such as Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Azam Khan, and Mohammad Amir will don the colors of Desert Vipers, while Imad Wasim is set to play for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20. 

Those players currently in New Zealand for T20Is will join their respective franchises post the series conclusion on January 21, 2024.

Regrettably, NOCs were not granted to Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, and Iftikhar Ahmed due to their involvement in two leagues since July 2023. 

The tenth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and the second edition of ILT20 are poised to kick off on January 19.