Pakistan Cricket Board enforces strict Two-League Policy after T20 World Cup exit, Here’s what it means – T20 World Cup News

The Pakistan Cricket Board is set to strictly enforce a policy of issuing only two No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for T20 leagues per player. The decision comes after the team’s disappointing performance and early exit in the T20 World Cup. Pakistan was eliminated from the tournament on Friday after a washout at Lauderhill in Florida allowed the USA to advance to the Super Eight round along with arch-rivals India from Group A.

According to PCB regulations, players with central or domestic contracts in Pakistan cricket must follow a rule that allows them to receive permission to play in only two overseas leagues each year, in addition to participating in the Pakistan Super League.

Despite being retained by their respective teams for this season’s Caribbean Premier League, young players Azam Khan and Saim Ayub have not yet been issued NOCs. Both Azam and Saim are part of Pakistan’s World Cup squad.

An official source within the PCB told PTI that the two NOCs rule applies to both centrally and domestically contracted players. The board reserves the right to turn down any NOC request from any player.

The board also holds the authority to refuse any NOC if it believes a player’s workload and fitness are at risk or if they are needed for domestic duties. Recently, leg-spinner Usama Mir was denied a NOC to play in England’s Vitality Blast and The Hundred, as he had already participated in two leagues this year. Despite Mir’s argument that he was free of international commitments, the board stood firm on its decision.

The PCB has also communicated to other cricket boards and franchises that any player without a PCB-issued NOC is signed at their own risk. This measure is intended to ensure players adhere to the policy and manage their workload effectively, maintaining their fitness for national and domestic duties.