PCB denies reports of ‘not granting NOC’ to players to play overseas T20 Leagues

|| CF DESK ||

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied claims that it is refusing to allow players to participate in the Big Bash League (BBL), the UAE International League T20 (ILT20), and other franchise cricket leagues throughout the world.

PCB responded to ESPNcricinfo's allegation by calling it "baseless, factually incorrect, and speculative."

According to the cricket website, players will not be awarded No-Objection Certificates (NOC) for cash-rich leagues around the world, regardless of whether they are centrally contracted or not.

"There is a growing sense of frustration among the top players in Pakistan, who feel they are missing out on big monetary gains," Cricinfo reported.

However, the PCB took a stance, completely denying the report.

• The PCB received the first list of players for the BBL Draft on 16 July. Following exchanges and discussions, the final PCB response went to the Player Agent on 26 July in which it was clarified that player NOCs will be discussed and issued in due course after considering a number of factors, including player workload and domestic/international commitments.
• The PCB received the second list of players on 2 August. This is presently being reviewed and a response will be provided in due course.
• In July, the PCB had received requests for two centrally contracted players for the ILT20. On 26 July, the PCB had informed the Player Agent that the NOC approval was subject to the two players’ workload and participation in the international series against New Zealand and the West Indies, which overlap with ILT20.
• In the backdrop of the above three points, the PCB is yet to consider the matter of issuing NOCs to the players. At present, it is reviewing requests for releasing player names for BBL and ILT20 Drafts. Issuing NOCs is the second phase of the process.
• The PCB is yet to receive any request from the CSA for its league, which is also contrary to what ESPNCricinfo has incorrectly reported.
• The PCB NOC Guidelines allow players to apply for a maximum of three NOCs per year, excluding the PSL and NOT PSL plus one as incorrectly reported by ESPNCricinfo. The PCB has always been flexible in issuing additional NOCs as long as these did not coincide with its international series or domestic competitions.
• Contrary to the ESPNCricinfo claim, which says: “Players have asked the board for copies of the contracts in order to first run them past a set of legal eyes before they decide on signing”, the PCB confirms no player has made any such requests.

BBL nominations close on August 21 with the draft to be held on August 28. The tournament will begin from December 13 to February 4.