PCB bars Pakistani players from taking part in UAE T20 leagues

Expressing concerns over the sudden increase in T20 Leagues being played in United Arab Emirates, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that it would now allow any contracted players of the national side to participate in any of UAE-based T20 leagues.

The PCB, however, has made an exception for the T10 League and has decided that Pakistan team's head coach Mickey Arthur will get to decide about the participation of the players in the league.

The decision was made following the announcement by the Emirates Cricket Board to hold its own T20 league, despite resistance from the PCB. Afghanistan Cricket Board has also announced to have its T20 league in the UAE this year. However, both the leagues will now be held without contracted players from Pakistan.

“The Governing Council expressed its concerns over a newly-announced T20 league taking place in the UAE. It was decided that the PCB will not allow any contracted players to take part in any T20 league taking place in the UAE other than Pakistan Super League [PSL],” said a statement issued by the PCB, following the PSL governing council meeting.

The governing council has also agreed to increase salary cap for the PSL squads. Franchises have also agreed on attempts to bring PSL matches gradually back to Pakistan.

“All franchises expressed full confidence in the PCB's attempts to bring more PSL matches to Pakistan. It was decided that at least eight matches will be held in Pakistan next year,” the statement said.