The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended no-objection certificates (NOCs), which were earlier issued to national players for participation in foreign leagues.
According to a Geo News report, the suspension of NOCs is linked to finalizing a new strategy for future approvals to players’ performance.
A notification, signed by PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed, stated that all previously issued NOCs were placed on hold with immediate effect until further notice, as reported by local media.
The decision comes just one day after Pakistan’s defeat in the Asia Cup 2025 final against India in Dubai, sparking criticism about the players’ consistency and overall performance levels.
Following the suspension of NOCs, several Pakistani cricketers, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Faheem Ashraf, will be affected, who had earlier been granted permission to play Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
The reports further stated that the future NOCs will be given after analyzing individual performance.
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Only players who consistently meet international and domestic standards will be allowed foreign league opportunities, while others must work with coaches locally.
Those failing to meet selection criteria will need to improve skills at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) before they are considered eligible for overseas contracts, according to PCB’s revised strategy.
It is worth mentioning here that, Brisbane Heat had picked Shaheen Shah Afridi in the first round, planning his debut season in BBL 15.
To honor his signing, Brisbane Heat launched the “Shaheen Shah Afridi Fan Bay” at the Gabba for their five home matches. However, his participation now depends on PCB’s pending review.
Officials clarified that the new policy aims to prioritize Pakistan’s national cricket above all else. Players will need to balance personal league opportunities with the responsibility of performing for their country.
The PCB stressed that earlier NOCs, including those already approved for the Big Bash League, remain suspended until management evaluates recent performances and upcoming commitments of national cricketers.
