Mark Butcher Criticizes ECB’s IPL Exemption in NOC Policy Row

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has sparked controversy with its new NOC (non-objection certificate) policy, allowing players with white-ball contracts to participate in franchise leagues during the English summer—except those holding red-ball contracts. However, the IPL has been exempt from the restrictions, drawing sharp criticism from former England cricketer Mark Butcher, who called out the prioritization of the IPL over other leagues.

The ECB’s policy has already prompted significant changes in county cricket. Hampshire captain James Vince, one of the Championship’s most dependable batters, has signed a white-ball-only contract with his county starting from the 2025 season to ensure his availability for the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Vince, who has been with Hampshire for 16 years and served as the Championship’s longest-serving captain by the end of 2024, was a key player in the county’s recent title challenges. His decision highlights the difficult choices players face under the new policy.

IPL Exemption Draws Criticism from Butcher

Speaking on the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast, Mark Butcher criticized the ECB’s decision to exempt IPL players from the restrictions:

I honestly think the biggest problem is the fact that they’ve said the IPL doesn’t count. Why is the IPL more special than any of the others? The PSL is a pretty high standard, so why would that one get an exemption, whereas players are having to make big decisions about whether they play red-ball cricket or not just to play in the PSL? That causes a problem for the entire programme.

Mark Butcher also pointed out the lack of consistency in the policy, suggesting it undermines the ECB’s credibility: “To have one competition stand aside at the expense of all the others makes it a very difficult argument to make from the ECB’s point of view.”

The ECB’s policy has also drawn criticism from the Players Association, citing a lack of consultation before its implementation. While Butcher acknowledged the ECB’s perspective, arguing that contracted players should prioritize county commitments, he expressed concern over the policy’s impact on domestic cricket.

“A lot of people will say, ‘Well, boo hoo, you have to make a decision somewhere,’ but particularly in James Vince’s case, the County Championship loses one of its very best players,” Butcher said.