Players banned in Pakistan from US and Canada after Asian Cup fiasco

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has created uncertainty in international cricket circles by halting all Objection Certificates (NOCS) for players in foreign leagues. However, the board did not say whether retired players were affected, which affects players participating in the United States (USA) and Canada-based leagues.

The confusion began after the PCB canceled all NOCs previously issued to players in foreign leagues. The notice, which was sent to league organizers globally, did not clarify whether retired players were included. Many leagues temporarily prevent Pakistani cricketers from participating until valid NOCs can be produced.

Players banned in Pakistan from US and Canada after Asian Cup fiasco

According to reports, on September 29, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed Syed issued a notification stating: “With the approval of the PCB Chairman, all NOCs are issued to players for participation in other foreign leagues and tournaments until further notice.”

This move affected many franchise cricketers. Sohail Tanveer (Atlanta Kings), Hap Reese (Chicago Cricket Club), and Roman Reis (Los Angeles Waves) have been banned from playing in the US until new permits are obtained.

The Canada T10 League (Super60), scheduled to begin October 8 in Vancouver, requires players like Shoaib Malik (White Rock Warriors) and Saeed Ajal (Mississauga Masters) to have updated NOCs, forcing teams to make last-minute adjustments.

Wahab Rioz steps in to resolve NOC PCB suspension for overseas tournaments

According to Pakistan Cricket, the confusion over the PCB’s suspension of the NOCS player was resolved after former chief selector Wahab Rees intervened.

The initial PCB notification did not specify whether the ban applied only to active players or included retired cricketers, creating uncertainty for players and league organizers.

Although Wahab no longer holds an official position within the Council, he is still closely associated with PCB operations and often represents the Council in various capacities. He was also seen serving as a commentator for the major international cricket platform during the Asia Cup.

“Sources revealed that the PCB notice did not specify whether the suspension applied to both current and retired players or only to active cricketers, leading to confusion among players and organizers alike,” the report read.

Share Pakistan Stars’ BBL in doubt after PCB NOCS suspension

Several stars, including Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Brisbane Heat), and Mohammad Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades), have been drafted into the Big Bad League to 2025-26 (BBL).

However, their participation was threatened when the PCB suspended all NOCS players for overseas tournaments. The suspension was issued soon after Pakistan’s narrow loss to India in the final of the ACC Men’s Trophy.

The guidance did not clarify whether or when exceptions could be made. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg expressed hope that the Pakistani stars would continue in the BBL, which begins on December 14 and overlaps with the ILT20 and Lanka Premier League.

Read also: Mohammed Siraj reaches a career-best in the ICC Test rankings after the Ahmedabad Test