Pakistani Cricketers’ Participation in Zim Afro T10 League Uncertain
The participation of Pakistani cricketers in the Zim Afro T10 League, scheduled to start on September 21 in Harare, Zimbabwe, is currently uncertain. This is due to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) refusing to issue the necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to the players.
Selected Pakistani Players for Zim Afro T10 League
According to sources, seven Pakistani players have been chosen to play in the Zim Afro T10 League. These include prominent names like Shan Masood, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Sharjeel Khan, and Salman Irshad. However, the PCB has yet to provide NOCs for their participation in the league. Notably, Shan Masood, Asif Ali, and Haider Ali are currently playing in the ongoing PCB Champions One Day Cup in Faisalabad, making their potential participation even more complicated.
Importance of the PCB Champions One Day Cup
The PCB Champions One Day Cup is being held to sharpen the competitive skills of domestic players and offer a platform for national talent ahead of upcoming international cricket fixtures. The PCB officials believe that participation in this domestic competition is crucial for players, further complicating the NOC approval process for the Zim Afro T10 League.
ICC Approval and PCB’s Stance
PCB officials have highlighted that the Zim Afro T10 League has not yet been approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC). As a result, the board has stated that it cannot issue NOCs until the league is officially sanctioned. This has raised concerns about balancing players’ commitments between domestic competitions and international leagues.
Impact of PCB’s NOC Policy
If the PCB continues to withhold NOCs, only two players—fast bowlers Mohammad Irfan and Salman Irshad, who are not currently under PCB contracts—will be eligible to participate in the Zim Afro T10 League. This situation highlights the tension between domestic priorities and the opportunities presented by international leagues.
Zim Afro T10 League’s Response
In contrast, a spokesperson for the Zim Afro T10 League has argued that the league does not require additional ICC approval since it has already been authorized by the Zimbabwe Cricket Board, which is a full member of the ICC. This statement further adds to the ongoing debate about the league’s legitimacy and the PCB’s stance on player participation.
