The PCB has announced that “all centrally contracted players may seek clearance for up to a maximum of four leagues, including the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL)”. Since 2018, they had been able to apply for release for just two, including the country’s own competition, the PSL. The PCB are also understood to be looking into the possibility of rescheduling the final phase of the PSL for some point in November.. The T20 competition was called off after it had reached the semi-final stage, on health advice after Alex Hales, the Karachi Kings batsman, had reported symptoms typical of coronavirus.
The management of the Pakistan national team will also be able to rule on whether the players can feature, “with respect to player workload and international commitments” according to the PCB. They also stated that players who have been retired for 24 months or more – such as Shahid Afridi – will be issued No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) “unless there are compelling reasons which the PCB will have to provide in writing”. “I think this is a flexible, balanced and comprehensive NOC policy which addresses as many of the likely scenarios that we will face,” Wasim Khan, the PCB chief executive, said. “We have given primacy and importance to player workload, international and domestic commitments. “But at the same time it was important that players are given the opportunities to make additional earnings and develop their skills around the world….To ensure that we maintain our relationships with cricket boards around the world, once granted, NOCs will only be revoked if there are any injury concerns, or there are international or domestic playing obligations that need to be fulfilled.”
Brian Sturgess
