The Pakistan Cricket Board have confirmed a policy change that will allow contracted players to compete in four domestic T20 leagues around the world per year, including the Pakistan Super League.
Previously, players contracted by the PCB were only allowed to play in two domestic T20 tournaments a year.
“I think this is a flexible, balanced and comprehensive no-objection certificate policy which addresses as many of the likely scenarios that we will face,” said PCB chief executive officer Wasim Khan.
“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.
“I am optimistic that moving forward, all the relevant stakeholders will have clarity and a better understanding of the process. To ensure that we maintain our relationships with cricket boards around the world, once granted, NOC's will only be revoked if there are any injury concerns, or there are international or domestic playing obligations that need to be fulfilled.”
The global cricket calendar is lined with domestic T20 tournaments, including the PSL, Indian Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League, South Africa's Mzansi Super League, Australia's Big Bash League, Caribbean Premier League in the West Indies, the United Kingdom's T20 Blast, Canada Global T20, Everest Premier League in Nepal and more.
Pakistan players in the IPL
Several Pakistan players have competed in the Indian Premier League in the past. All-rounder Shahid Afridi played for the Deccan Chargers. Batsman Younis Khan represented the Rajasthan Royals. Seamers Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul were with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Left-armer Mohammad Asif played with the Delhi Daredevils (since renamed the Delhi Capitals).
Globetrotting Malik
Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has played in many domestic T20 leagues across the globe. He has been with the Barbados Tridents and Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL, Vancouver Knights in the Global T20 Canada, Delhi Daredevils in the IPL, Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL, Jozi Stars in the MSL and more. He has also played for the Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL.
