PCB Clears Babar Azam, Shaheen, and Rizwan for Global Cricket Leagues This Summer
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to a group of high-profile players — including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan — to take part in various international cricket leagues during the summer of 2025.
The move is part of the PCB’s broader strategy to ensure player development through global exposure while maintaining control over their workload and fitness in the lead-up to key tournaments, notably the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Two-League Limit for Centrally Contracted Players
Under PCB policy, players with central contracts are limited to two foreign leagues per calendar year. This measure is aimed at:
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Preventing player burnout
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Preserving availability for national duty
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Ensuring performance sustainability
“This is a strategic balancing act — international exposure without compromising on national priorities,” a PCB official said.
Breakdown of PCB-Approved Players and Leagues
The PCB’s official list includes participation across four major cricket leagues:
1. Big Bash League (BBL)
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Players: Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan
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Note: Babar’s name has yet to appear in the official BBL 15 draft registrations, but the NOC suggests he will be available for selection in the June 19 draft — the first to allow full-season availability for Pakistani players.
2. County Cricket (England)
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Players: Mohammad Amir, Shan Masood, Kashif Ali, Abbas Afridi, Khawaja Khurram, Hasan Ali
3. Global Super League
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Players: Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz
4. Caribbean Premier League (CPL)
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Players: Mohammad Nawaz, Hassan Khan
This diverse league participation exposes players to different formats, pitches, and playing conditions, which is crucial for skill enhancement and adaptability.
Why It Matters: Long-Term National Gains
The PCB’s strategy aligns with the evolving global cricket ecosystem, where franchise leagues dominate the calendar. With many international players prioritizing such tournaments, the PCB’s approach ensures:
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Match-readiness during Pakistan’s off-seasons
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Financial growth and international brand building for players
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Continued engagement and skill refinement outside national camps
This calculated exposure also benefits Pakistan’s national team by preparing players for high-pressure international fixtures, especially in varied conditions.
Financial and Career Development
The PCB’s NOC policy strikes a balance between national commitment and personal opportunity:
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Franchise cricket offers lucrative contracts, helping players secure financial independence.
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Participation enhances players’ reputation and marketability across global T20 platforms.
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It also fosters a stronger competitive mindset, as they compete alongside and against the world’s top talent.
A Forward-Looking Policy
With the global cricket calendar increasingly dominated by overlapping franchise leagues, the PCB’s move reflects maturity and foresight. By giving players room to grow, earn, and evolve — while keeping them tied to national objectives — the board demonstrates a modern governance model that can yield long-term dividends for Pakistani cricket.
As the summer unfolds, all eyes will be on how these Pakistani stars perform on international franchise stages and how that momentum translates back into the green shirts.
