After Asia Cup Defeat To India, PCB Halts NOCs; Top Pakistani Cricketers Barred From Foreign T20 leagues: Report

After three consecutive losses to India in the Asia Cup 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended all No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for its players, halting their overseas T20 league participation, NDTV reported.

Although the PCB has not disclosed a reason, the decision has reportedly already been conveyed to the players.

With major leagues such as SA20, ILT20, and BBL approaching, many leading Pakistani cricketers face uncertainty over their participation.

The suspension could result in significant financial setbacks for Pakistani players if they are barred from competing in these high-paying overseas leagues.

This decision, communicated by PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed on 29 September, affects several leading Pakistani players, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Faheem Ashraf, who were set to feature in prominent leagues such as the Big Bash League and the ILT20.

The move follows Pakistan’s defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, which capped off a series of setbacks.

"With the approval of the 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, seen by ESPNcricinfo, reads.

Media reports indicate the PCB may link future NOCs to a performance-based evaluation, though criteria remain undisclosed.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s top domestic first-class season, postponed from 22 September, is now set to begin in October.

As per ESPNcricinfo, the details regarding the NOCs, any possible exemptions, and their duration are not yet known.

The PCB intends to encourage domestic and national performances by tying NOC approval to player assessments.

It is still uncertain how long the evaluation system will last or when the suspension on overseas league participation will be lifted.

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