BPL franchises on alert as Pakistan prioritizes national commitments
The Bangladesh Premier League is bracing for the possible absence of several high-profile Pakistani cricketers, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) tightens its stance on issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) during the lead-up to the T20 World Cup.
Multiple reports confirm that the PCB will withhold NOCs for centrally contracted national players until after the T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled from January 7 to 11. This development leaves BPL franchises in a state of limbo just weeks before the tournament’s scheduled start on December 26.
Among the affected are players like Saim Ayub (Sylhet Titans), Mohammad Nawaz and Sahibzada Farhan (Rajshahi Warriors), Abrar Ahmed (Chattogram Royals), Faheem Ashraf (Rangpur Riders), and Usman Khan (Dhaka Capitals), all of whom may be selected for national duty. Their participation in the full BPL season now appears unlikely.
A PCB source explained the rationale behind the delay in issuing NOCs. “National team players will not be released during the series as it’s part of World Cup prep. After the series, players can join leagues once NOCs are issued,” the source told Cricfrenzy.
World Cup preparations take precedence over league commitments
The PCB’s decision aligns with a broader plan to prioritize bilateral series and World Cup preparation over foreign league participation. Following the Sri Lanka series, Pakistan will host Australia for another three-match T20I series, further limiting players’ availability for the BPL window, which runs until January 23.
While national squad members remain restricted, several other Pakistani cricketers not in the current selection frame — including Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Khawaja Nafay, Haider Ali, and Hussain Talat — are expected to face no barriers in securing NOCs and can participate in the BPL without issue.
Still, the PCB sought to clarify that it is not imposing a blanket ban on foreign league participation. “It is not a fact that we are not giving an NOC (No Objection Certificate) this year. The players who have applied for the NOC, we are currently processing it. We are seeing who can be given an NOC and who cannot be given an NOC,” a PCB source said, speaking to Daily Sun.
Non-selected players likely to receive NOCs
The PCB reiterated that the final decision depends on a player’s involvement in national duty. Those outside the immediate national T20 squad are likely to receive approval to participate in foreign leagues, including the BPL.
“However, we must also remember that whenever there is national duty, that is our priority. So, if someone is not in national duty, then probably he will be having the NOC. But apart from that, we are not thinking of not giving an NOC to anyone,” the PCB source added.
While BPL franchises may still see limited participation from Pakistani players during gaps between international assignments, the current directive signals a clear message: national commitments come first, and only those not selected for the T20 series will be free to fulfill their overseas contracts.
As the tournament approaches, clarity from the PCB is expected in the coming days — but for now, several franchises are preparing for a season without their marquee Pakistan signings.
