The participation of several Pakistani cricketers in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) has become uncertain. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly suspended their no-objection certificates (NOCs).
According to ESPNcricinfo, people associated with the tournament confirmed the development. They said some players had already received permission to participate. However, they were later informed that their NOCs had been put on hold.
The PCB has also reportedly demanded around $25,000 per player to issue NOCs. However, the report could not independently confirm whether the board communicated this demand formally in writing.
The eight-team Nepal Premier League is scheduled to take place in Kathmandu from October 26 to November 21. Several Pakistani cricketers have already reached Nepal. Others have delayed their travel while waiting for the issue to be resolved.
Pakistani Players Await NOC Clearance
Several prominent Pakistani cricketers are expected to participate in the competition. They include T20I captain Sahibzada Farhan, Haider Ali, Hunain Shah, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, and Usama Mir.
However, Farhan’s participation has faced an additional complication. He has been named as Saim Ayub’s replacement in Pakistan’s ODI squad for the ongoing tri-nation series.
The PCB confirmed on Monday that Ayub had been released from the squad. He requested permission to return to domestic cricket to improve his batting and rebuild confidence.
Farhan had already reached Kathmandu before the squad change. He is now expected to return to Pakistan for international duties.
PCB’s Revised Central Contract Policy Raises Questions
The NOC situation has also raised questions about the PCB’s revised central-contract framework. The board announced changes to its contract structure earlier this year.
Under the revised system, separate arrangements were introduced for red-ball and white-ball cricket. The framework also included a Track D category for T20 specialists.
This category was intended to give players more flexibility to participate in overseas franchise leagues. However, participation would remain subject to their international commitments.
The PCB has not publicly clarified which players fall under the revised contract categories. It also remains unclear whether the new system has been fully implemented.
Apart from Farhan, the other Pakistani players expected to feature in the NPL are reportedly not part of Pakistan’s current Test or ODI plans during the tournament.
NOC Issue Leaves Players Waiting
The reported suspension has created uncertainty for Pakistani players planning to compete overseas. Their participation now depends on the resolution of the NOC issue.
The reported $25,000 fee demand has also drawn attention. However, this amount remains unverified, and the board has not publicly clarified the matter in the reported account.
In other related news also read Shahid Afridi Criticizes PCB Over England Test Changes
The situation has raised questions about how the PCB will apply its revised policy to overseas franchise leagues. Further clarification from the board could help establish the requirements for Pakistani players seeking permission to participate.
