The PCB NOC Policy for national players participating in foreign leagues has sparked fury among the team members. According to sources, numerous complaints have poured in, particularly regarding the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Players are voicing strong objections to the PCB’s NOC policy, engaging in discussions with team management to address their concerns.
In their grievances to team management, players highlight the inconsistency in NOC issuance criteria, with each player seemingly assessed differently. Some players, who have already played in a third league within a year, argue that NOCs should be equally granted to others. The players insist that if there’s no national duty, the PCB should promptly issue NOCs, questioning the need for dual certificates when they are unable to participate in an entire league.
Despite the absence of national commitments, the PCB appears reluctant to issue NOCs, leaving players without the possibility of seeking compensation for exclusion from central contracts under unjust circumstances. Players are raising valid concerns about how workload is determined, questioning the lack of medical or biomechanical tests in estimating workload. In instances of perceived injustice, players are contemplating the drastic step of withdrawing from central contracts.
It’s noteworthy that the PCB has issued NOCs to Azam Khan and Shadab Khan, both of whom have already played in two leagues. Responding to Geo News’ inquiry, sources within the board acknowledge tension in the policy, revealing that the absence of a permanent chairman leads to a lack of permanence in the NOC policy. They suggest that a re-evaluation of the policy may occur if a new chairman is appointed.
The ramifications of the NOC policy are evident, with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris having to return from Dhaka without participating in the BPL due to the PCB’s refusal to grant him a NOC. Haris, slated to represent Chattogram Challengers, had his request denied based on his participation in two leagues since July 2023 – the Global T20 League in Canada and the Lanka Premier League in August 2023.
Earlier, the PCB announced the issuance of NOCs for participation in upcoming franchise-based leagues, citing alignment with the provisions of players’ central contracts. The decision aimed to balance the interests of all stakeholders while managing player workload. Notably, the BPL and ILT20 leagues commenced on January 19, featuring several Pakistan stars across various teams.
While some players, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, are part of different BPL teams, others like Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan are set to play in ILT20.
However, several players, such as Ihsanullah, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Hasnain, were denied NOCs, considering the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) and T20 World Cup.
Additionally, players like Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, and Iftikhar Ahmed are awaiting NOCs for BPL, subject to their participation in two leagues since July 2023. Notably, players with contracts in ILT20 are exempt from this requirement due to prior agreements with franchises preceding central contracts.