Pakistan Players Unhappy with PCB’s Holdup on NOCs for Overseas Leagues
Pakistan players voice displeasure as PCB's delay in NOC approval impedes foreign league participation.
There is growing speculation about a strained relationship between Pakistan Cricket Board’s chief selector, Wahab Riaz, and the country’s players, with reports pointing to disagreements over the delayed release of NOCs for their involvement in foreign leagues like the Big Bash and Abu Dhabi T10.
Speculations surround Imad Wasim’s recent retirement from international cricket, with reports suggesting that the Pakistan Cricket Board’s failure to issue NOCs for his participation in foreign leagues, despite prior commitments, played a significant role in his decision.
“Wahab has made it clear to all centrally-contracted players that their first priority is to play for Pakistan and also insisted that anyone wanting to be considered for selection to the national team has to make appearances in domestic cricket,” said the source.
“Imad and some other players are yet to be issued NOCs for the T10 league in Abu Dhabi while the board has also not taken a decision on issuing NOCs for the Big Bash in Australia,” he added
PCB Chief Bring New Policy for Pakistan Players
In a recent statement, PCB head Zaka Ashraf introduced a policy stating that Pakistani players are now permitted to take part in only one foreign league alongside their commitments to the Pakistan Super League.
Haris Rauf, the Pakistani fast bowler, has opted out of the upcoming Australia test series reportedly due to prior commitments with the Abu Dhabi T10 League and the Big Bash League.