In a dramatic move following Pakistan’s six-wicket loss to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for national players participating in overseas T20 leagues. The decision, announced just hours after the final, is set to affect some of Pakistan’s top cricketers who were gearing up for international franchise commitments.
The suspension impacts major names, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, who had already secured approvals to feature in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). Similarly, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and middle-order batter Khushdil Shah, who were set to play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), have also had their NOCs revoked.
According to PCB officials, the move is part of a wider policy shift aimed at ensuring that national players prioritize domestic cricket and international duties over foreign leagues. The board confirmed that a new performance-based NOC framework is being drafted, which will set stricter conditions for players seeking to participate in overseas tournaments. The upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier domestic competition, is expected to be central to this policy, as the PCB looks to strengthen its domestic structure by having top stars available.
The timing of the decision, coming directly after Pakistan’s defeat in the Asia Cup final, has raised eyebrows and triggered debate within cricketing circles. While the PCB insists the move is meant to improve accountability and focus, critics argue that such measures may impact player morale, particularly for senior cricketers who are balancing international and domestic commitments.
This suspension underscores the PCB’s determination to place national and domestic cricket at the forefront, even if it means restricting players’ lucrative opportunities abroad. With Pakistan’s cricketing calendar packed with domestic fixtures and upcoming international tours, the board’s decision signals a firm stance on discipline, performance, and commitment to the national cause.
