New Delhi

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly suspended all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players planning to join overseas T20 leagues, following Pakistan’s loss to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final.

Pakistan was defeated by five wickets in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, handing Suryakumar Yadav-led India their ninth Asia Cup title. On September 29, Sumair Ahmad Syed, PCB Chief Operating Officer, issued a formal notice to players and agents regarding the decision.

This move directly affects star players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Rizwan, who were set to play in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). Additionally, 16 Pakistani cricketers, including Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman, are listed in the auction for the International League T20 (ILT20), which begins in the UAE on October 1.

The PCB notice stated, “With the approval of Chairman PCB, all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players with respect to participation in leagues and other out-of-country tournaments are hereby put on hold until further orders,”. The board’s aim is to encourage players to focus on domestic competitions like the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament, scheduled to start in October.

At present, there is no clarity on when the suspension on NOCs will be lifted or how long the review process may take. Pakistan faced three defeats against India in the Asia Cup before the final, losing the group stage match by seven wickets and the Super Fours clash by six wickets, highlighting the need for domestic focus and performance reassessment.

This decision underscores PCB’s strategy to strengthen domestic cricket while reassessing players’ overseas commitments.