In a major development, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formulated a policy with regard to participation of cricket players in cricket leagues besides making regulations for holding private leagues in the country. The decisions were taken at a meeting of the committee formed to discuss cricket matters. Chairman PCB, Najam Sethi, who heads the committee chaired the meeting which also took decisions regarding domestic cricket, a PCB spokesman, said here Wednesday.
The meeting was also attended by Subhan Ahmad, Chief Operating Officer PCB, Muddassar Nazar, Director Academies, Inzamamul Haq, Chief Selector, Haroon Rashid, Director Cricket Operations, Shakil Ahmed Shaikh, Advisor to Chairman PCB and Saqib Irfan, Sr. Manager Domestic Cricket Operations. According to the PCB spokesman, the Committee discussed the rules for privately organized cricket, NOC policy for players participating in foreign leagues, proposed domestic cricket structure and existing cricket infrastructure and its uplifting/up-gradation.
Highlighting the salient features of this policy regarding participation of players in foreign league, the spokesman said only the centrally contracted players will be allowed to participate in two leagues only in a cricket season. The non-contracted players are bound to play at least three domestic first class matches to receive NOC, he said, adding: "Retired players do not need any NOC from PCB, however, as per ICC rule they are bound to obtain NOC from PCB for two years from the date of their retirement."
Moreover, rules for holding private league(s) have been prepared, the spokesman added. He said 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 four-day and one-day matches.
The spokesman said organization of PCB controlled club cricket at districts level will be outsourced. He said that Shakil Shaikh, advisor to the Chairman has been given the task to visit all the first class centers and submit a report on pitches and infrastructures along with recommendations to upgrade the existing pitches and facilities within next 30 days.