The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stopped its leading cricketers from taking part in foreign T20 leagues. The board says the decision is linked to workload management and the busy international calendar.
According to reports, star players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan were denied permission to play in the Global T20 League in Canada. These players are seen as crucial for Pakistan in all formats and are expected to carry a heavy workload in the upcoming season.
The PCB explained that international duties take priority. With tours and series planned in all three formats, the board believes allowing players to feature in extra leagues could increase the risk of fatigue or injury. Protecting fitness levels is now a key part of its policy.
Not every player has been restricted. Cricketers with fewer commitments in Tests and ODIs are still allowed to join foreign leagues. Players like Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Nawaz have been given clearance to play abroad. The PCB says such approvals are made on a case-by-case basis.
Scheduling conflicts are also a factor. Many T20 leagues overlap with Pakistan’s domestic or international fixtures. The PCB wants to ensure that the national team always has its best players available, instead of losing them to overlapping tournaments.
The decision has created mixed reactions. Supporters argue that the PCB is right to put the country first and protect player health. Critics, however, say that denying chances in overseas leagues limits growth and earning opportunities for players.
This is not the first time the PCB has taken such a step. Previous policies also limited centrally contracted players to a fixed number of foreign leagues each year. The debate over balance between international duty and franchise cricket continues.
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