PCB Withdraws NOCs After Asia Cup Defeat

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a significant step by revoking all previously issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for its players planning to participate in overseas franchise cricket leagues.

This decision follows Pakistan’s disappointing defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, which prompted the board to reassess its priorities. The directive, dated September 29 and approved by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, was issued by Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed.

It declares that all existing NOCs for foreign leagues and other international tournaments will remain suspended “until further notice.” This marks a shift in the PCB’s approach toward balancing international commitments and domestic cricket development.

Major Impact on Players and Leagues

The decision has immediate and far-reaching consequences for several high-profile Pakistani cricketers. Star players including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Faheem Ashraf, who were expected to feature in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), will no longer be able to participate. Similarly, around 16 Pakistani players who had registered for the International League T20 (ILT20) auction in the UAE—such as Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman—will now be unavailable.

This sudden policy change is likely to affect player earnings, international exposure, and the overall representation of Pakistani talent in global T20 leagues. Additionally, franchises that had shown interest in signing these players may have to reconsider their strategies and look for replacements.

Focus Shifts to Domestic Cricket and National Goals

The PCB’s main motive behind this tough decision is to reinvigorate domestic cricket and ensure that players prioritize national duties over private league commitments. With the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Trophy scheduled to start in October, the board wants top players to participate actively in domestic competitions, thereby strengthening the overall cricketing structure within Pakistan.

Officials believe that focusing on domestic tournaments will help players stay in form, maintain fitness, and adapt better to conditions they are likely to face in international matches. Moreover, this move signals the PCB’s intention to create a more disciplined and unified team environment, where national performance takes precedence over financial incentives abroad.