Following Pakistan's defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly taken a stringent stance, resulting in potential repercussions for several of its players. The PCB has suspended No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players seeking to participate in overseas T20 leagues. This decision, made public on September 29, 2025, by PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed, impacts players like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.
Details of the Sanctions
The PCB's decision to withhold NOCs effectively prevents players from joining foreign T20 leagues. While the PCB hasn't officially stated the reason, reports suggest that the move aims to link NOCs to player performance at both national and domestic levels. This could mean that players who don't meet certain performance standards might be barred from participating in leagues like the ILT20 and Australia's Big Bash League (BBL). The suspension's duration remains unclear.
Financial Implications
The PCB's action could lead to substantial financial losses for the players. Participation in these leagues not only offers exposure but also significantly boosts their earnings. With the BBL and ILT20 starting soon, the uncertainty surrounding their participation looms large.
Players Affected
Several high-profile players are affected by this decision, including Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. These players had either signed contracts or were expected to play in major T20 leagues abroad. Other players potentially impacted include Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and Naseem Shah.
Rationale Behind the Decision
The PCB's move is viewed as a way to ensure that top players prioritize domestic and international cricket for Pakistan. By linking NOCs to performance, the PCB aims to incentivize players to focus on national and domestic cricket. This decision also ensures the availability of key players for domestic competitions, such as the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's premier first-class tournament.
Haris Rauf's Controversies
In addition to the team-wide sanctions, Haris Rauf has faced individual scrutiny. During the Asia Cup 2025, Rauf was fined 30% of his match fee for "aggressive behavior" during a Super 4 match against India. He was also called out for making "war references" and misbehaving with fans. Some reports even suggested a possible three-match ban by the ICC, including the Asia Cup final, though this was not confirmed. It was alleged that Rauf made provocative gestures, referencing Pakistan's unverified claims of shooting down Indian jets. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding these gestures.
Asia Cup Fallout
Pakistan's performance in the Asia Cup 2025 was underwhelming, losing all three matches against India. The team's batting lineup struggled, and they failed to compete effectively against India, except for a brief period in the final. Certain players also faced criticism for on-field behavior, further contributing to the controversies surrounding the team.
PCB's Response to Asia Cup Trophy Fiasco
Following the Asia Cup final, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi took the trophy and winners' medals back to his hotel room in Dubai. This action sparked controversy, with the BCCI demanding the return of the trophy and medals. Naqvi's refusal to hand over the trophy led to further tensions between the cricket boards.
