England cricketer James Vince has voiced concerns over the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) no-objection certificate (NOC) policy, which restricts players from participating in global leagues, except for the Indian Premier League (IPL). Vince, who recently stepped down as Hampshire captain to join HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, highlighted the policy’s impact on players’ opportunities.
In a recent interview, Vince shared that a WhatsApp group was created when the policy was introduced, allowing players to discuss its implications. “The initial feeling was that it was going to drive people away from red-ball cricket,” Vince remarked. He expressed frustration over the policy, which many players felt would limit their chances in other leagues.
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Vince questioned whether the ECB’s decision to allow IPL participation but restrict access to leagues like the PSL was influenced by relationships with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). “It’s got to be something to do with relationships between the ECB, PCB, and BCCI as to why they’ve come up with that rule,” Vince speculated.
He also noted that the PSL’s shorter format would result in players missing fewer domestic games than they would during the IPL, further raising doubts about the ECB’s reasoning behind the restriction.
Vince’s comments have added fuel to the ongoing debate about the ECB’s NOC policy and its potential long-term effects on England players’ involvement in international leagues.
