Pakistani Players Barred from Overseas T20 Leagues Until Further Notice
In a dramatic move following Pakistan’s defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended all No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players participating in overseas T20 leagues. This decision, confirmed by ESPNcricinfo, came just a day after the high-stakes final in Colombo, which saw India beat Pakistan for the third time in the tournament.
The suspension of NOCs effectively blocks Pakistani cricketers from joining various international T20 leagues until further notice. According to reports, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed has already sent official communication to players and their agents.
“With the approval of Chairman PCB, all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players with respect to participation in leagues and other out-of-country tournaments are hereby put on hold until further orders,” the notice read.
Big Bash League and ILT20 Participation in Doubt
Seven top Pakistani players — including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, and Hassan Khan — were set to take part in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) later this year. Their participation is now uncertain due to the PCB’s latest directive.
In addition, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and 15 other Pakistani players had been shortlisted for the ILT20 auction scheduled for October 1. That, too, is now in jeopardy unless the PCB revises its stance.
The PCB has not officially explained the reasoning behind this sweeping move. However, its timing — coming just hours after a disappointing tournament campaign — has raised eyebrows among fans and cricket experts alike.
Pakistan’s performance in the Asia Cup 2025 was below expectations. The team faced arch-rivals India three times and ended up losing all three encounters, including the final. The defeats have sparked discussions around accountability and performance standards within the national setup.
While it remains to be seen whether this NOC suspension is a temporary disciplinary measure or part of a larger overhaul, one thing is clear: Pakistan’s cricketing future on the global T20 circuit is now in limbo.
