The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended all no-objection certificates (NOCs) issued to national players for participation in overseas leagues, following Pakistan’s defeat in the Asia Cup final. The decision was made with immediate effect and aims to link future NOC approvals to players’ performances, both in international and domestic cricket.
The suspension affects prominent cricketers such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Faheem Ashraf, who were previously granted permission to play in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). The PCB’s new policy will make NOC issuance performance-based, ensuring that only those who meet set standards will be eligible for foreign leagues.
Players who fail to meet the criteria will be required to train at the National Cricket Academy before pursuing overseas contracts. The move is intended to ensure national players focus on their performance for Pakistan, both internationally and domestically.
In a notable development, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was selected as the first overall pick in the BBL 15 Draft by Brisbane Heat, will have his first stint in the Australian league.
To celebrate his debut, Brisbane Heat announced the creation of the “Shaheen Shah Afridi Fan Bay” at the Gabba for their home fixtures, offering limited seats for fans eager to watch the pacer in action.
