PCB withholds NOCs for players ahead of foreign T20 leagues

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly held back the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) that were earlier given to several top players for participation in foreign T20 leagues, including Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).

According to sources, PCB’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sameer Ahmed, has issued new directives regarding these NOCs, which could affect the players’ contracts with overseas teams.

Big names such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Hassan Khan had already been granted clearance to play in the upcoming BBL season. With the NOCs now on hold, their participation remains uncertain.

Details suggest that Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen were allowed to play between December 14, 2025, and January 28, 2026. Faheem and Khushdil had permissions valid from December 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026, while Hassan Khan’s NOC covered December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026.

The move could create problems for the players, as it may impact their deals with franchises and lead to financial complications.

So far, the PCB has not given any official explanation for the decision.

Read More: Pakistan announces 18 players squad for South Africa Test series