Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen Among Players Granted NOCs by PCB for Foreign Leagues

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released the names of players who have been granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to take part in top international leagues this summer. The names include several centrally contracted players, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan among others.

According to PCB’s policy, the contracted players are only allowed to take part in two foreign leagues in a calendar year, which is the prime reason behind issuance or denial of an NOC.

Here is a breakdown of the players and competitions:

Although Babar Azam has not been revealed as part of this year’s BBL draft during the first phase of registrations, his name in this NOC list by the PCB means he will be up for grabs. BBL 15 Draft takes place on June 19, 2025 with several Pakistani players in it, which the teams will use to finalise squads for the upcoming season. This will be the first time that players from Pakistan will be available for an entire BBL season.

The PCB’s move reflects strategic planning—offering top players the chance to gain exposure in varied conditions, stay match-ready during dormant domestic periods, and return in peak form for national duties if called upon. It also helps balance player workload and supports development ahead of major tournaments, such as the ICC T20 World Cup.

The PCB’s NOCs recognise the evolving global cricket calendar and aim to enrich player experience while ensuring balance between international commitments and lucrative franchise opportunities.