Pakistan cricketers can now play in maximum four T20 leagues
What's the story
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released its new No Objection Certificate (NOC) policy according to which all centrally contracted cricketers will be allowed to participate in a maximum of four foreign leagues, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The NOC requests will come through the International Cricket Operations department. Here are further details on the same.
Focus
Player workload and commitments in focus
According to a statement released by the PCB, the national head coach or team management will carry out due diligence with respect to player workload and international commitments. As per NOC policies around the world, the Chief Executive of the Board will then be the final approving authority at the final stage of the process.
Process
How will the approval process work?
The report further added, "The domestic players contracted by the Cricket Associations will be required to directly approach their respective associations for any NOC approvals in the first instance. Input and feedback will then be sought from the cricket operations department, before moving to the last stage of the approval process."
NOCs
How will players be eligible for NOCs?
For domestic players, who don't feature in red-ball cricket but are white-ball regulars, it is has been made mandatory for them to commit to domestic 50-over and 20-over cricket in order to be eligible for NOCs. Also, as per ICC regulations, both inactive and retired cricketers will require NOCs from the PCB for ICC approved events.
PCB
Wasim Khan has his say on opportunities presented to players
"I think this is a flexible, balanced and comprehensive NOC policy which addresses as many of the likely scenarios that we will face," said Wasim Khan. "We have given primacy and importance to player workload, international and domestic commitments, but at the same time it was important that players are given the opportunities to make additional earnings and develop their skills around the world".