The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has received a huge bonus. Amid the news of Steve Smith pulling out of the competition and with an already weakened foreign lineup due to the PSL 2025’s clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board will take a sigh of relief realising that English players will feature in their marquee event.
ECB’s new franchise policy
For the unaware, last year, it was reported that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) wouldn’t grant No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to players to participate in franchise leagues worldwide, including the PSL and barring the IPL, to prioritise English domestic cricket.
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PSL over the Hundred for players?
The move didn’t go well with the players. Around 50 players threatened to boycott the Hundred, the ECB’s marquee tournament, if not allowed to ply their trade in the PSL. For the unaware, with strong competition in the IPL, several English players can’t make it to the Indian League. However, they have found success, money, and fame in Pakistan.
Stars like Harry Brook first made their names in the PSL before going big in international cricket and then getting picked in the IPL. PSL offers good money to foreign stars, so English players go there. With lucrative deals on offer, ECB’s new demand didn’t sit well with them.
ECB to grant NOCs for PSL 2025
According to ProPakistani, the ECB has bent its knees and will be granting NOCs to players. This comes at a great time. Tomorrow (January 13) is the PSL 2025 draft, and knowing English players will be available, the franchise owners will go for them knowing they will help them win.
Cricket
India squad for Sri Lanka Tests to be picked this week: Bumrah, Jadeja to return, Washington Sundar doubtful
