The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) created uncertainty in global cricket circuits by halting all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players in foreign leagues. However, the board didn’t mention whether retired players were affected, impacting players participating in the United States (USA) and Canada-based leagues.
The confusion began after the PCB revoked all previously issued NOCs for players in foreign leagues. The notice, sent to league organizers globally, didn’t clarify if retired players were included. Multiple leagues temporarily barred Pakistani cricketers from participating until valid NOCs could be produced.
Pakistan Players Banned from USA and Canada After Asia Cup Fiasco
According to reports, on September 29, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed Syed issued a notification stating: “With the approval of the PCB Chairman, all NOCs issued to players for participation in leagues and other foreign tournaments are suspended until further notice.”
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The move affected several cricketers in franchise leagues. Sohail Tanvir (Atlanta Kings), Wahab Riaz (Chicago Cricket Club), and Rumman Raees (Los Angeles Waves) were barred from playing in the U.S. until new clearances were obtained.
The Canada T10 League (Super60), scheduled to start on October 8 in Vancouver, required players like Shoaib Malik (White Rock Warriors) and Saeed Ajmal (Mississauga Masters) to obtain updated NOCs, forcing teams to make last-minute adjustments.
Wahab Riaz Steps In to Resolve PCB NOC Suspension for Overseas Leagues
According to Cricket Pakistan, the confusion over the PCB’s suspension of player NOCs was resolved after former chief selector Wahab Riaz intervened.
The PCB’s initial notice had not specified whether the ban applied only to active players or included retired cricketers, creating uncertainty for players and league organizers.
Although Wahab no longer holds an official position within the board, he remains closely linked to PCB operations and frequently represents the board in various capacities. He was also seen serving as a commentator for a major international cricket platform during the Asia Cup.
“Sources revealed that the PCB’s notification did not specify whether the suspension applied to both current and retired players or only to active cricketers, leading to confusion among players and organizers alike,” the report read.
Pakistani Stars’ BBL Participation in Doubt After PCB Suspends NOCs
Several stars, including Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Brisbane Heat), and Mohammad Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades), were drafted for the 2025-26 Big Bash League (BBL).
However, their participation was threatened when the PCB abruptly suspended all player NOCs for overseas leagues. The suspension was issued shortly after Pakistan’s narrow loss to India in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup final.
The directive did not clarify whether exceptions could be made or when they might be lifted. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg expressed hope that the Pakistani stars will still feature in the BBL, which begins on December 14 and overlaps with the ILT20 and Lanka Premier League.
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