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PCB (Source: Twitter)
In recent times, a cloud of discontent has settled over some of Pakistan's top cricketers as they mull over the possibility of terminating their central contracts with the Pakistan Cricket Board. The cause of this dissatisfaction lies in the PCB's refusal to grant No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players to participate in foreign T20 leagues despite not having any international commitments.
The discontent reached a tipping point when players like Zaman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Muhammad Haris, all centrally contracted, were denied NOCs to play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The board cited its policy of players centrally contracted participating in only two leagues, in addition to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), as grounds for refusal.
Players' Perspective on the NOC issue
Cricketers argue that the PCB follows a dual policy, selectively issuing NOCs based on whims and fancies. Their contention is particularly strong when no national assignments precede the PSL, questioning why players should be barred from lucrative foreign leagues.
The PCB contends that centrally contracted players receive hefty monthly salaries, offering compensation regardless of their playing status. However, agents counter this by revealing significant tax deductions and highlighting players' potential earnings of USD 100,000 to USD 300,000 by participating in foreign leagues.
The global surge in T20 leagues, including the BPL, International Emirates League in the UAE, and the South Africa 20 league, present cricketers with unprecedented earning opportunities and Pakistan players not participating in IPL also hampers them financially quite a lot.
There are reports that some players are also contemplating giving up their central contracts and becoming freelance players like Trent Boult. Hopefully, with the impending change in PCB leadership, there's hope for constructive discussions between players and the new Chairman to resolve the NOCs issue and find a balanced compromise between the players and the board.