The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for its players, restricting them from joining foreign T20 leagues. The decision was confirmed on Tuesday, a day after Pakistan’s defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final.
According to sources, PCB Chief Operating Officer Syed Sameer Ahmed issued the notification. Players were instructed to withdraw from international leagues and focus on domestic cricket commitments instead.
The suspension will directly impact several leading cricketers. Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Faheem Ashraf had been granted NOCs to play in Australia’s Big Bash League. With the new order, they will no longer be able to participate in the tournament.
The move comes after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the Asia Cup final held in Dubai. Captain Salman Ali Agha, along with Faheem Ashraf and Hassan Ali, returned to Lahore on Monday following the defeat.
India lifted their third consecutive Asia Cup title with a thrilling victory. Pakistan set a competitive total, but India successfully chased it down in the final over. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav played a key role by taking four wickets for 30 runs. Tilak Verma’s unbeaten 69 and Shivam Dube’s quick 33 guided India to a five-wicket win.
With this result, India extended their winning streak against Pakistan to eight consecutive matches. The victory also marked India’s ninth Asia Cup triumph, strengthening their dominance in regional cricket.
The PCB’s decision reflects growing pressure on players to prioritize national and domestic duties over foreign leagues. While the suspension has disappointed many cricketers, officials believe it is necessary to improve Pakistan’s cricketing structure after a tough loss.
In other related news also read PCB Unveils Strategy to Qualify for Olympics 2028
