After a humiliating exit from the Asia Cup 2023, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to put a cap on the number of foreign T20 leagues that the centrally contracted players can appear. The decision comes after several Pakistani pacers including Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf sustained injuries during the marquee event. PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf on Saturday said that the players who have the A-Plus and A contracts would only be allowed to play one T20 league besides the Pakistan Super League.
Players will be compensated if situation evolves: PCB Chairman
Adding more in his statement, Ashraf said the board would also have the authority to withdraw or cancel any NOC it has issued to a player for a foreign league if it feels it could be detrimental to the interests of Pakistan cricket. ”The players want to be compensated if this situation evolves,” he said.
Pakistan have some injury woes in the build-up to the World Cup in India. Naseem has been virtually ruled out of the World Cup, while the others also struggle with fitness issues. Hasan Ali fractured his thumb while playing in the Lanka Premier League. Also, before the Asia Cup this year, PCB surprised everyone by issuing NOCs right and left to players for different leagues, including The Hundred, LPL, Canada Global League, Caribbean Premier League, etc.
The Men in Green have no matches slated for now and will be seen in action in the World Cup. Babar Azam and Co will kick-start their campaign against the Netherlands on October 6 (Friday) in Hyderabad. In their second match, PAK will take on Sri Lanka at the same venue. Pakistan will face arch-rivals India in the WC clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The clash will take place on October 14 (Monday).
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