The Pakistan Cricket Board has suspended all previously granted no-objection certificates that allowed national players to take part in overseas leagues, linking future approvals to individual performance.
A notification issued by PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed stated that all foreign league NOCs stand suspended with immediate effect until further orders. The decision followed Pakistan’s loss in the Asia Cup final.
The suspension directly affects top players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf, many of whom had secured contracts in Australia’s Big Bash League.
PCB sources confirmed that going forward, only players who meet performance benchmarks in international and domestic cricket will be allowed to participate in foreign leagues. Those falling short of the criteria will be required to work at the National Cricket Academy to improve their skills before pursuing overseas contracts.
The board emphasized that the move is intended to ensure national players focus on representing Pakistan and maintain standards in both domestic and international competitions. Previously issued NOCs, including those for the upcoming Big Bash League, are now suspended pending review.
The decision is particularly significant for Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was set for his debut season in the Big Bash League after being picked by Brisbane Heat as the first overall draft choice. Brisbane Heat had already announced plans for a “Shaheen Shah Afridi Fan Bay” at the Gabba to celebrate his arrival, which will now depend on the outcome of PCB’s review.
