PCB vs ECB via IPL vs PSL- Internal details of the ugly fight leaked

The row between the ECB and PCB over non-objection certificates for English Premier League players has taken a new turn. In November 2024, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decided not to issue No Objection Certificates to players across all formats.

The decision was taken due to the Pakistan Super League clash with the Indian Super League. PSL 2025 will be held in April-May this year instead of February-March due to ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The PSL dates were conflicting with the preliminary rounds of this season’s County Championship forcing the ECB to take such a decision. The ECB’s decision has forced James Vince to retire from domestic red-ball cricket to make himself available for the PSL.

Read also: Steve Smith gives a shock update on Sri Lanka Test availability

PCB’s position on the ECB’s decision not to issue NOCs for PSLs

According to reports, PSL franchises have already been informed of the unavailability of four star England players ahead of the PSL Draft. The English players were unhappy with the decision and were prepared to confront their board.

However, the English board has made it clear to the PCB that any further decision on the NOCs will not be made until after the end of the league. The PCB has decided to prioritize its long-standing relationship with the ECB over this dispute.

The PCB has prioritized its long-standing relationship with the ECB over the dispute. Ahead of the PSL Draft, the franchises were informed that four star players were unavailable. The players were prepared to face their board, but England told Pakistan that even if it was like this…

— Saleem Khaliq (@Saleemkhaliq) January 22, 2025

While it’s not clear who these four-star players are, they are probably the four best English players. The decision was not well received by the players and they expressed their concern to the board of directors.

James Vince left first-class cricket

Englishman James Vince became the first cricketer from his country to take a decisive decision in the dispute. The 33-year-old all-rounder retired from first-class cricket to make himself available for the PSL.

Vince was retained by Karachi Kings before the PSL Draft which prompted him to take such a decision. He has played 45 matches over the years and scored 1166 runs at an average of 27.76.

James Vince criticizes the European Central Bank

James Vince also criticized his country’s board for preferring the Indian Premier League over the Indian Premier League. He spoke about the ECB decision and claimed that players are frustrated with it which may prompt them to move away from red-ball cricket.

“When they first mentioned it, a group of players was created on WhatsApp and there was a lot of discussion. The initial feeling was that this would turn people away from red-ball cricket,” Vince told ESPNCricinfo.

“I felt it would limit opportunities. The players were frustrated by that… There were some things we didn’t understand.

“This is a big thing that has caused a lot of confusion. It has to be a matter of relations between the ECB, the PCB and the BCCI as to why they came up with this rule,” the 33-year-old added.

It is a big year for Pakistani cricket as they will be hosting the ICC tournament in the form of the Champions Trophy during February-March. The next PSL season will start on April 7, 2025. Meanwhile, the 2025 IPL season will start on March 21.