PCB’s new NOC policy puts Pakistani players’ Big Bash League participation in doubt

Cricket Australia stays optimistic as PCB's new NOC policy stalls Pakistani stars’ entry into the Big Bash League

The Big Bash League (BBL) was rolling out the red carpet for Pakistani players set to participate in its upcoming Season 15, until the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threw a wrench in those plans with its new NOC policy.

According to its alleged new rules, the PCB will now issue NOCs for foreign leagues based on player performance and has rescinded all previously issued NOCs for upcoming tournaments, including the BBL, which takes place later this year.

Amid the ongoing crisis, Cricket Australia (CA) has expressed hope of reaching a breakthrough with the PCB that would allow Pakistani players to travel to Australia. Responding to the development, CA Chief Executive Todd Greenberg said discussions with the PCB were ongoing and constructive.

“We’ve been in contact with our colleagues at the PCB over the last few days and we’re hopeful we can find a resolution,” Greenberg said. “We’re really looking forward to welcoming their players to the Big Bash, we think they’ll add great value.”

The statement reflects Australia’s eagerness to see Pakistan’s top talent feature in the tournament, with names such as Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan all expected to participate.

Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars have even dedicated sections of their stadiums to their talismanic players Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf respectively, underlining their status in the cricketing world.

While the PCB’s new NOC policy has not sat well with many, CA is adopting a diplomatic approach, avoiding confrontation and instead signalling patience as talks continue.

The league has previously faced last-minute hurdles over international player availability, but there is optimism that an arrangement can be worked out before BBL 15 begins in December. The ball is now firmly in the PCB’s court, with franchises and players awaiting clarity in the coming weeks.