Why PCB Suspends Player NOC for Overseas T20 Leagues? Find Out The Reason

The Asia Cup 2025 final saw the Pakistan team hit a new low as the team, led by Salman Ali Agha, lost the final against India. Moreover, the Men in Green fell to India three times in two weeks, bringing Pakistan cricket to a new low. According to reports, the PCB has put No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign leagues on hold in an effort to lessen the harm done to the board's reputation following the humiliating loss.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed notified the players that the NOCs will be suspended for playing in foreign competitions, according to many reports. Players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shadab Khan, who are likely to play in the next Big Bash League (BBL), will be affected by this decision. Additionally, 18 Pakistani players, including Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman, are on the list for the ILT20 auction, which is scheduled on October 1 in the United Arab Emirates.

Decision Comes Aftermath of Asia Cup Final

The 17th edition of the Asia Cup concluded on September 28, 2025, where India won the Asia Cup after chasing down Pakistan's target in a nail-biting final over. Tilak Verma's undefeated 69 and Shivam Dube's rapid 33 completed a five-wicket victory, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav destroyed Pakistan's batting order with figures of 4 for 30. India extended their winning streak over Pakistan, the greatest rivalry in cricket, to eight games with this victory, which also secured them their ninth Asia Cup title.

The decision comes after Pakistan's heartbreaking loss to India in the Asia Cup final in Dubai. By calling off the NOCs, the PCB is probably indicating that Pakistan's domestic obligations and forthcoming international matches would once again be given priority. Cricket players who already have few possibilities in the franchise sector are likely to be especially offended by the decision.

The decision points to major adjustments among the Pakistani cricket team. Since this circumstance has occurred previously and Pakistani players have taken action, it is unclear if the players will rebel as a result of the NOCs being canceled. This restriction will affect the young Pakistani cricketers who were looking forward to franchise cricket.

Will Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Lose Money?

The decision will affect one of the richest Pakistani cricketers, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, more than any other player because the two veterans are no longer playing for Pakistan in T20I cricket, and playing in foreign leagues was one way for them to regain the PCB's trust and play in the game's shortest format. Babar Azam inked an exclusive contract with the Sydney Sixers and was scheduled to make his debut in Australia's elite league in the next BBL season.

Babar Azam will receive up to $420,000 AUD, as the Sixers selected him in the Platinum category. Therefore, Babar would lose almost ₹2.35 crores if he doesn't report for BBL duty. In addition, the Sixers have planned their remaining strategies on Babar Azam, so the BBL may also act.