The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which had the entire cricketing circle buzzing after reportedly cancelling all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued to its players for foreign leagues, has finally broken its silence on the matter.
As expected, the issue stems from Pakistan’s dismal performance at the 2025 Asia Cup, which has forced the board to reevaluate its players’ participation in international leagues, placing greater emphasis on performance-based rewards.
According to Faizan Lakhani, who was the first to report on the development, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed Syed has clarified the reasoning behind the recent suspension of NOCs previously granted to national cricketers. Sources within the board indicate that the move is part of a broader policy shift aimed at reinforcing performance accountability. Going forward, NOCs for overseas franchise tournaments will only be issued to players who meet specific performance criteria in both international and domestic cricket. Those who fall short will be required to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and work with coaches to improve their skills before being reconsidered for future opportunities abroad.
The suspension affects several top-tier players, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Hasan Ali, all of whom had been cleared to participate in Australia’s Big Bash League later this year.
The timing of the announcement, just days after the Asia Cup final, has fuelled speculation that the board is responding to public and internal dissatisfaction with the team’s recent form. By tying NOC approvals to performance, the PCB hopes to reignite competitive spirit and ensure that players remain focused on delivering results for Pakistan.
However, there are concerns among fans that the PCB’s decision could lead to increased friction with the players. Pakistani cricketers already have limited opportunities on the franchise circuit, and any attempt by the PCB to close this door could result in more premature retirements. Cricketers across the world have already started committing to leagues over national duties, and Pakistan may soon face similar challenges.
This performance-based model marks a significant departure from past practices, and debates regarding its fairness are likely to continue. For now, however, the message from the board is clear: only those who prove themselves on the field will earn the right to represent Pakistan abroad.
