The Pakistan Cricket Board has taken a strong decision after the Asia Cup 2025 final defeat. The PCB suspends players’ NOCs, preventing them from playing in foreign leagues.
The decision applies to all national players who had received permission to play overseas. Key players include Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Faheem Ashraf. Their participation in leagues like the Big Bash League is now on hold.
The move came after Pakistan lost narrowly to India in the final held in Dubai. Despite strong performances in earlier matches, the defeat prompted the PCB to review players’ commitments.
An official notification was issued on September 29, 2025. The board informed players and their agents that all NOCs for overseas participation are suspended until further notice.
This decision emphasizes the PCB’s focus on domestic cricket. Players are now expected to prioritize upcoming tournaments like the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. No specific timeline for lifting the suspension has been provided.
The PCB suspends players’ NOCs to ensure that national duties and domestic competitions are not compromised. Analysts say the board wants players fully available for domestic cricket and national selection.
The suspension may affect player morale and overseas franchise participation. However, the PCB clarified that future NOCs may be granted if players meet performance and commitment expectations.
This step marks a shift in the board’s approach. The PCB is sending a clear message that domestic cricket and national duties will take priority over foreign leagues.
Fans and experts will closely watch how players adapt. The Asia Cup loss has triggered serious reforms in board policies regarding overseas participation.
For now, affected players must adjust their plans. Domestic cricket will become their primary focus until the board decides on NOC approvals.
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