PCB trying to copy BCCI; Bizarre decision might backfire

In a move that’s raised eyebrows across the cricketing world, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended the issuance of No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for its players to participate in overseas T20 leagues. The decision, made shortly after Pakistan's defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, signals a significant shift in PCB’s approach toward player management and domestic cricket.

Reaction to Asia Cup Disappointment

Pakistan’s performance in the Asia Cup was, to put it mildly, disappointing. Losing to arch-rivals India three times, including in the final, has once again put the spotlight on the team’s inconsistency on the big stage. The immediate aftermath? PCB hit pause on overseas league participation, suggesting the team needs to re-focus on domestic cricket and fix foundational issues rather than chase franchise league fame.

Many believe this move is reactionary—a knee-jerk response to public and media pressure. Yet, it reflects a growing sentiment within the board: if players want to wear the green shirt with pride, they must earn it through performances in the country’s own domestic circuit.

BCCI Playbook, Pakistani Edition?

There’s no denying the similarities. The BCCI has long restricted Indian players from participating in foreign T20 leagues, keeping its talent within the IPL and domestic ecosystem. It’s a strategy that has worked well for them, building depth and strengthening local tournaments.

PCB’s move feels like a page taken out of that same book. But there’s a catch—India has results to show for it. Pakistan, on the other hand, has struggled to build momentum in ICC events and even in Test cricket. Replicating the method without the structure might lead to more confusion than clarity.

What This Means for Players

The biggest losers in this decision, at least in the short term, are the players. Big names like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and several others were set to feature in leagues like the Big Bash and ILT20. Now, they’re left waiting, unsure whether their NOCs will be reinstated before the tournaments kick off.

While the PCB says the move is temporary and tied to a new “performance evaluation system,” it raises questions about the board’s long-term strategy. Is this the beginning of a structured domestic revival, or just another patch on a leaking ship? Only time will tell.

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