Pakistan players miss out on Abu Dhabi T10 bids after PCB’s late demand for NOC fees

The Pakistan Cricket Board is demanding a fee of US$10,000 to grant NOCs to participate in global franchise leagues, which has led to the country’s players being forced out of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, which begins on Saturday.

League organizers are scrambling to find replacement players after the PCB sought a fee for each player signed up for the league.

“We were surprised that while we requested a NOC for the league’s players in late September, we only received the $10,000 fee request a few days ago,” an official associated with the league franchise said by phone Thursday.

He said with the league set to start from Saturday, franchises are now running from pillar to post to sign replacements for the 14-15 players signed from Pakistan for the league.

“It is very unprofessional, even if they (PCB) want to charge NOC fee, they should have given enough time to the franchises and management to work out some solution. Their demand came very late,” he continued.

The PCB started the process of asking franchises for NOC fee from last year and recently franchises in the Nepal Premier League also complained that they were asked to pay a fee of US$25,000 to sign Pakistani players for the league.

Only two Pakistani players – Hussain Talat and Jahandad Khan – could feature in the Nepali League, although initially the franchises signed up about 8-10 Pakistani players for the league.

“Few players even got there at their own expense but returned without playing after the NOC issue remained unresolved,” said one source close to the affected player.

The PCB also demands a fee of US$25,000 for players from other leagues such as the Major League in the US and the International T20 in the Emirates.

Sources close to the players say they are unhappy with the situation.

“Yes, players who appear in domestic tournaments will be paid fees and allowances, but as not all of us will be selected for the national teams, these minor leagues are our lifeline to earn more,” said one first-class player on Thursday.

A source in the PCB explained that due to the high demand of Pakistani players, the NOC fee is fully justified.

“That is why the issue of charging NOC fee came up,” he added.

The player, who declined to be named, disagreed with the board’s assessment.

“There are a number of minor leagues around the world and this NOC condition means we will suffer because these minor leagues cannot afford to pay the PCB NOC fees and also our fees,” he said.

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