The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has created uncertainty to the world’s cricket circuits by suspending all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players in foreign leagues. However, the board did not say whether retired players will be affected and will affect players who are in the US (USA) and Canada-based leagues.
The confusion began after the PCB cancelled all NOCs previously issued against foreign league players. The notification, sent to league organizers around the world, does not say whether the retired players will be included. Several leagues temporarily banned Pakistani cricketers from participating until a valid NOC was created.
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According to reports, on September 29, PCB Chief Operating Officer Samir Ahmed Said issued a notice that “with the approval of the PCB president, all NOCs issued to players for participation in the league and other overseas tournaments will be suspended until further notice.”
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The move has affected several cricketers in the franchise league. Sohail Tanville (Atlanta Kings), Wahab Rias (Chicago Cricket Club) and Le Mans Rays (Los Angeles Waves) were banned from playing in the US until new permits were obtained.
The Canadian T10 League (Super 60), scheduled to open in Vancouver on October 8th, required players such as Shoaib Malik (White Rock Warriors) and Said Azimal (Mississauga Masters) to obtain the latest NOCs, forcing teams to make last-minute adjustments.
Wahab Rias intervenes in solving PCB NOC suspension in overseas leagues
Cricket Pakistan said the confusion over the suspension of player NOC by the PCB was resolved after former chief selector Wahab Rias stepped in.
The PCB’s initial notice did not specify whether the ban would apply to active players only or if it would include retired cricketers, bringing uncertainty to players and league organizers.
Although Wahab has lost his official position within the board, he maintains close ties with PCB operations and frequently represents the board in various positions. He was also seen serving as commentator for major international cricket platforms during the Asian Cup.
“The sources say the PCB notifications do not specify whether the suspension applies to both active and retired players or to active cricketers, revealing similar confusion between players and organizers,” the report said.
Pakistani star player is suspected of participating in the BBL after PCB suspending NOC
Several stars, including Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Brisbane Heat), and Mohammad Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades), have been drafted into the Big Bash League (BBL) for the 2025-26 season.
However, their participation was threatened as the PCB suddenly stopped all players NOCs into the overseas league. The suspension was issued shortly after Pakistan narrowly defeated India in the ACC Men’s T20 Asian Cup final.
The directive does not disclose whether an exception is permitted or when the exception will be lifted. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg expressed his hopes that Pakistani stars will continue to appear in the BBL, which opens on December 14th and overlaps with the ILT20 and the Lanka Premier League.
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