PCB Suspends NOCs for Overseas T20 Leagues After Asia Cup 2025 Defeat

By ANI | Updated September 30, 2025 – 4:05 PM IST

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially suspended all No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players participating in overseas T20 cricket leagues. This major decision, confirmed by PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed on September 29, follows Pakistan’s narrow defeat against India in the Asia Cup 2025 final.

Which Players Are Impacted?

Several top stars, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Faheem Ashraf, were preparing to feature in global tournaments such as the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia and the ILT20 in the UAE. With this sudden suspension, their participation is now on hold until further orders.

Why Did PCB Suspend the NOCs?

The PCB’s notice, approved by the Chairman, stated: “All No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players regarding participation in leagues and other overseas tournaments are hereby suspended until further orders.”

Sources close to the board indicate that the Asia Cup 2025 final loss acted as the tipping point. Reports suggest PCB intends to create a performance-based evaluation system where player access to overseas leagues will depend on their contributions in national and domestic matches.

Performance-Based Criteria Under Review

According to ESPNcricinfo, PCB may soon link NOCs to individual performance benchmarks. However, the exact criteria, exemptions, and duration of this new policy remain unclear. Insiders believe this move is aimed at prioritizing Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure and ensuring top players are available for the premier first-class competition, which is now scheduled to begin in October.

Domestic Cricket Takes Center Stage

The PCB has repeatedly emphasized the importance of strengthening the domestic cricket ecosystem. By suspending NOCs, the board ensures that star players are available for the domestic season, which had already been delayed from its initial start date of September 22. This decision may also encourage younger cricketers by raising the level of competition in local tournaments.

Impact on Global T20 Leagues

This suspension could affect several international franchises that rely on Pakistani talent to boost competitiveness and fan following. Leagues such as the Big Bash League, ILT20, and other T20 circuits may have to adjust their rosters as a result. While foreign teams value Pakistan’s cricketing stars, the PCB seems determined to put national priorities first.

Reactions and Uncertainty

The decision has sparked mixed reactions among fans and analysts. Supporters of the move argue that representing Pakistan should take priority over overseas commitments. Others worry it could limit players’ growth and financial opportunities. With no official timeline on when the suspension will be lifted, uncertainty looms for players and franchises alike.

Final Thoughts

The PCB’s suspension of NOCs marks a significant shift in how Pakistan manages its cricketing resources. By focusing on domestic and international commitments, the board is sending a clear message: national performance comes first.

While this may cause short-term challenges for players and leagues, it could ultimately strengthen Pakistan cricket in the long run. All eyes are now on the PCB to see when and how this policy will evolve, and whether a structured performance-based system will redefine the future of Pakistani players in overseas T20 leagues.