PCB releases NOC policy for its players

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board has released its No Objection Certificate (NOC) policy for centrally and domestically contracted players today (Friday).

According to a press release issued by PCB, the policy had been reviewed and approved by the Board of Governors during their 57^th meeting, subject to minor changes.

According to the policy, all centrally contracted players may seek clearance for up to a maximum of four leagues, including Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Initial feedback and assessment of NOC requests will come through the International Cricket Operations department and national head coach/team management, who will carry out due diligence with respect to player workload and international commitments.

As per NOC policies around the world, the Chief Executive of the Board will then be the final approving authority at the final stage of the process.

The domestic players contracted by the Cricket Associations will be required to directly approach their respective associations for any NOC approvals in the first instance.

For domestic players, who don’t feature in red-ball cricket but are white-ball regulars, it is has been made mandatory for them to commit to domestic 50-over and 20-over competitions in order to be eligible for NOCs.

As per the ICC regulations, both inactive and retired cricketers will require NOCs from the PCB for ICC approved events. However, the PCB will issue NOCs to players who have been retired for 24 months or more, unless there are compelling reasons which the PCB will have to provide in writing.

In this regard, PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said, “I think this is a flexible, balanced and comprehensive NOC policy which addresses as many of the likely scenarios that we will face.

“We have given primacy and importance to player workload, international and domestic commitments, but at the same time it was important that players are given the opportunities to make additional earnings and develop their skills around the world”.