PCB is likely to restrict players participation in global leagues

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to restrict its players from participating in global leagues and make the contracted players participate in the domestic competition. Reliable sources in PCB informed Geo.tv that a policy, which will make it necessary for all contracted players to participate in at least three domestic tournaments each season, is under consideration at the PCB.

With many of the freelance cricketers participating in the T20 franchise cricket, this move can be a worrying factor for their future. Many of these cricketers participate in the CPL, BPL and also in the Australia’s Big Bash. It has been believed that the move has been made considering the fact that the PCB were slammed for calling the players back from county championship and CPL, to take part in the fitness test and play in the National T20.  Later, the National T20 was canceled, and players went back to play in the CPL.

Conflict between board and players

“Players were clearly unhappy with that and some expressed their displeasure over the unprofessional approach of the concerned department,” said a source. Sources fear that any such development may lead to a serious conflict between the board and players.

“We have seen how in other countries players have backed out of their national contracts to continue with their league careers. With leagues popping up from different parts of the world and providing great financial incentives to players, it looks very difficult for any board to stop players from participating in leagues,” the source added.

“Now imagine that the Global T20 league is underway in November and PCB schedules the National T20 in November too. How will PCB stop players from going to South Africa, especially after South Africa sent five players to support Pakistan’s cause of international cricket at home,” the source said.