Rift between Pakistan players and PCB? Board denies NOC to participate in Big Bash League

T20 leagues have revolutionised the entire framework of cricket. They not only bring more crowd into the stadiums, but are also beneficial for players who get to earn a bit extra other than their central contracts from their respective boards. Any player who wants to play in any particular T20 league first has to get No Objection Certificates (NOC) from their cricket boards. There have been many disputes between the cricket boards and the players regarding the issue in the past.

Another such issue has come to light as the Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly refusing to provide NOCs to its players – contracted or not contracted- to participate in the upcoming season of the Big Bash League. The reason behind the move is believed to be the already packed calendar of the Pakistan Cricketers. But there have been no clarifications given as to why the uncontracted players are being barred from participating in the league.

The names of Pakistan players were missing from the list of overseas players who nominated themselves for the BBL draft. But many stars were expected to put up their names before the deadline.

The PCB for some time had followed an informal policy of “PSL plus one” with regard to its players’ participation in the foreign leagues. But there is uncertainty regarding the continuation of the policy under the administration of chairman Ramiz Raja.

According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, the entire scenario is frustrating for many top Pakistan cricketers as they’re missing out on monetary gains from the foreign T20 leagues. The Pakistan players are already barred from participating in the Indian T20 league which has now become the second most valuable sporting league in the world. PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja had earlier said that the board will compensate players who choose not to participate in the foreign T20 Leagues.

“We want to discourage our elite players from signing up for additional off-season events. We feel the players are better off not going to these leagues. We will pay them 50 to 60 per cent of the contract amount they are offered where required,” Raja had said.

But there have been no updates given on the move so far by the board.

Currently, there have been no statements given on the matter either by the PCB or the players. But the matter has the potential to flare up if the PCB doesn’t intervene in time.