PCB suspends NOCs for overseas T20 leagues for Pakistani cricketers after Asia Cup loss to India

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has abruptly banned all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) that allowed its players to play in international T20 leagues. Major competitions where Pakistani players were contracted or shortlisted, including The Hundred, Vitality T20 Blast, the Big Bash League (BBL), and the ILT20, are impacted by this decision.

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The statement was made the day after India humiliated Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai. It is generally assumed that the PCB wants its players to put domestic cricket and national responsibilities ahead of overseas league commitments, even if the board has not provided a written explanation.

Asia Cup humiliation costs Pakistani players their overseas T20 contracts.

With Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's consent, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed issued a directive on September 29 that put all NOCs on hold until further instructions. Players and their representatives are unsure about their future involvement in international franchise tournaments as a result of this abrupt move.

"With the approval of Chairman PCB, all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players with respect to participation in leagues and other out-of-country tournaments are hereby put on hold until further orders," the notice, seen by ESPNcricinfo, read.

Concerns have been raised concerning the suspension's duration, potential exceptions, and overall effect on the careers of Pakistani cricket players. Many think that this severe measure is a kind of disciplinary action following Pakistan's loss to India. The BCCI's long-standing stance of excluding its players from participating in foreign leagues for almost 20 years is also echoed in this judgment.

Well-known celebrities like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi have been directly impacted by the PCB's order. Notably, Babar Azam hasn't played for Pakistan in the Twenty20 Internationals for about a year. The board tried to bring him back during the Asia Cup, but the tournament administrators turned down the proposal.

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The effect also extends to the next leagues. Up to 18 players, including Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and Naseem Shah, were shortlisted for the October 1 ILT20 auction in the United Arab Emirates, while a number of Pakistani cricket players were scheduled to compete in the Big Bash League 2025–26 season.

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