Pakistani players confined to two foreign leagues

Pakistani cricketers can now participate in only two foreign leagues, each year, as per the latest policy implemented by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday.

“Centrally contracted players will be allowed to participate in two leagues only in a cricket season,” stated PCB in a press statement.

Meanwhile, as per the new policy endorsed by PCB Chairman Najam Sethi, non-contracted players are bound to play at least three domestic first-class matches for them to be entitled to receive NOC for participation in foreign cricket leagues.

Whereas, retired players do not need any NOC from the PCB; however, as per the rules by ICC they are bound to obtain NOC from the board for two years from the date of their retirement.

Here are other important decisions taken by PCB in the meeting:

• Rules for holding private league(s) have been made elaborately clear to the applicant(s) for clear understanding and applicant(s) will have to fully abide by the rules made for granting permission to hold private league(s) before issuing any NOC(s) to them. The rules will be circulated shortly to all parties who have shown interest in holding private tournaments involving current players.
• There will be no change in the existing domestic cricket structure adopted in the cricket season 2017/18 and it will continue to be implemented in the forthcoming season of 2018/19 with one amendment which is that one day tournament would also be held alongside four day first class tournament having one day rest in between 4 day and 1 day matches.
• Domestic players match fees would be enhanced in order to financially strengthen regional players to bring them at par with the departmental players. Monthly retainer-ship amount being paid to domestic players as per current policy will be diverted towards domestic players match fee enhancement.
• Organization of PCB controlled club cricket at districts level will be outsourced. This tournament will be in addition to the mandatory requirement of districts to organize two club level tournaments.
• Number of teams participating in Patrons Trophy Grade II in 2018/19 will be reduced to 16 to bring quality and competitiveness in Patrons trophy Grade II level.Copyright Business Recorder, 2018