PCB revises NOC policy for players participating in foreign T20 leagues

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The 57th Board of Governors (BoG) meeting of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), first of 2020, was held in Peshawar on Tuesday. The following are the outcomes of the meeting:

NOC Policy

The BoG approved the No Objective Certificate (NOC) guidelines for cricketers. Amongst other guidelines the policy allows centrally contracted players to seek a clearance for up to a maximum of three ICC-approved foreign leagues, excluding the HBL Pakistan Super League, as long they don’t coincide with the PCB-organised events and player workload and fitness regime is properly managed. The CEO shall have a final approval right. Further details on the NOC policy will be announced in due course.

Previously in 2018, PCB had implemented a policy, according to which Pakistani players were allowed to participate in only two foreign leagues.

“Centrally contracted players will be allowed to participate in two leagues only in a cricket season," stated PCB in a press statement in 2018.

Bangladesh series

The BoG applauded the PCB Chairman and the Chief Executive for convincing Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to play 2 Tests, 1 ODI and 3 T20s in Pakistan.

In relation to this series, the PCB Chairman briefed the BoG on the amicable resolution of a dispute with the PCB’s media rights partner, which contrary to media reports, earned the PCB net revenue of US$3.75million.

The PCB Chairman informed the BoG he was able to convince the media rights partner to accept Bangladesh tour as an additional series in the agreement despite it being confirmed a week before the first T20I. However, recognising the media rights partner’s plea that it didn’t get enough time to sell the commercial airtime and based on an independent legal advice, the PCB agreed on the rights fee of US$3.75million.

Misbah’s briefing on Pakistan men’s national cricket team

Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq provided a detailed briefing to the BoG on the men’s national cricket team since he assumed charge in September 2019. He talked at length on players’ fitness, domestic cricket, event scheduling, team preparation, selection criteria, future plans and the positives of his dual responsibilities.

The BoG appreciated the efforts of Misbah and acknowledged he was operating in a challenging environment, while emphasising on having a strategy that could take the sport and the team in an upward direction.

The BoG reiterated its support for Misbah and hoped with a positive and aggressive approach, the team will achieve good results under the present team management.

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Barrister Salman Naseer appointed Chief Operating Officer

Barrister Salman Naseer has been appointed PCB’s Chief Operating Officer after the BoG approved Mr Ehsan Mani’s recommendation who had led a recruitment process along with two BoG Members, Mr Asad Ali Khan and Mr Shahrez Abdullah Khan. Barrister Salman had been handling the additional charge of Acting Chief Operating Officer since 22 November 2019.

A Bar-at-Law from the prestigious City Law School and Lincoln’s Inn, London, Salman Naseer joined the PCB in September 2011.

During his time at the PCB, Salman Naseer has been involved in preparation and drafting of rules, codes, policies and bylaws pertaining to regulation of cricket, conduct of cricketers, employees, coaches and support personnel; conferencing and acting on behalf of players; prosecuting players for violating PCB’s Anti-Corruption Code; drafting and vetting of tender documents and commercial contracts including for Media Rights, Franchise Rights, Licensing Rights etc.

Asia Cup

The BoG authorised the PCB management to make a decision on the hosting of this year’s Asia Cup 2020, which is an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) event. In this context, the PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani will represent Pakistan at the upcoming ACC meeting (date and venue to be confirmed) and present a proposal that protects the interests of the PCB and is in line with its mantra of not mixing politics with sports.

Hosting rights for ICC Events in the 2023-2031 cycle

The BoG was apprised on the International Cricket Council (ICC) visit to explain the process that will be adopted for the allocation of ICC Events in the 2023-2031 cycle. The BoG was briefed the PCB will indicate to the ICC in March about the Events it will like to host, while the financial and other guarantees will be submitted in September.

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) tour

The BoG approved a budget of PKR1.4million for the staging of four MCC matches, to be played next week in Lahore. The MCC, on their first tour in 48 years, will play Pakistan Shaheens, Northern, Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans from 13-19 February.