LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board has decided not to issue No-Objection Certificates (NOC) to national players for the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), sources said on Wednesday.
Around 29 Pakistani cricketers, including Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Shan Masood, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali and Imad Wasim, had registered for the APL player draft held in Dubai earlier this week. Their participation remains subject to PCB clearance, which the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s own draft register formally noted as a condition.
A PCB official, when asked about the prospects of granting NOCs, told a cricket website: “I don’t think so.” The stance comes against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The board has previously withheld clearances for other overseas franchise leagues this year, including the Nepal Premier League.
Wasim Akram declines mentor offer
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram was offered a mentor’s role with one of the APL franchises but declined it in line with the PCB’s policy, according to reports. Akram chose not to associate with the competition while the board maintains its position on player clearances.
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In contrast, former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has joined the league. Amir, who acquired British citizenship earlier this year, registered for the draft as a UK national with Pakistan listed only as his country of residence. He was selected by Kandahar Warriors in the Platinum category at a salary of $100,000 and does not require a PCB NOC.
The five-team APL is scheduled to begin on December 27 in the United Arab Emirates. Waqar Younis has been named mentor for one of the franchises, while other international names including Irfan Pathan and Mark Boucher fill similar roles.
The PCB has not issued a formal public statement on the matter.
