The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended all No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players planning to join overseas T20 leagues, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo. PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed issued a formal notice, informing players and their agents of the decision. The notice stated that, with the PCB chairman’s approval, all NOCs are on hold until further orders.
The PCB has not officially explained the reason for the suspension. However, reports suggest the board may be considering a performance-based system to regulate NOCs. The criteria for such a system have not been disclosed. It remains unclear how long this evaluation will take or when the suspension may be lifted. Players have received no timeline or clarity on next steps.
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The move comes at a time when seven Pakistani players, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, were expected to feature in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) in December. In addition, 16 Pakistani players, including Naseem Shah and Saim Ayub, are shortlisted for the International League T20 (ILT20) auction on October 1 in the UAE.
Pakistan’s domestic Quaid-e-Azam Trophy begins on October 26, and the timing of the NOC freeze may reflect a shift in focus. The PCB could be looking to prioritize national and domestic performance over franchise cricket. The tournament will feature 18 regional teams competing in three groups for the national title.
This development follows Pakistan’s loss to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, their third defeat to the arch-rivals in the tournament. It came just weeks after Pakistan lifted the T20 tri-series trophy involving Afghanistan and the UAE. The sudden suspension of NOCs adds new uncertainty to player plans and Pakistan’s cricketing priorities.