Huge Blow To PCB As ECB Bans English Players From Playing In PSL But Allows Participation In IPL

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has received a huge blow as the ECB has banned its players from participating in the next edition of the Pakistan Super League. This new rule would stop the English players from participating in leagues like the PSL, Sri Lanka's Premier League, and the other franchise leagues during the English summer. The main aim of taking this decision was to improve the quality and the integrity of their domestic tournaments like the County Championship, Vitality Blast, and the Hundred.

This rule also stops the players from playing in two consecutive leagues. For instance, players initially used to play in another league after their teams were knocked out of the first league. But now this won't be possible.

But as per this rule, white-ball players like Saqib Mahmood can participate in PSL and other franchise league tournaments. But those players, who received the central contract from the ECB, which also includes first-class cricketers won't receive the NOC to play in such leagues. The Telegraph also reported that no player would be allowed to miss any white-ball series to play in franchise-league tournaments.

"This policy gives clarity to players and professional counties around our approach to issuing No Objection Certificates. It will enable us to strike the right balance between supporting players who want to take up opportunities to earn and gain experience, while also protecting the integrity of cricket globally," Richard Gould, who is the chief executive of ECB said.

The shortest format of cricket and T20 leagues has witnessed rapid growth in the last few years. Every cricket-playing country now has a T20 league of its own. A few T10 leagues have also gained attention in the Middle East.

About 74 English players used to play in franchise leagues in 2023. However, the ECB is planning to change that trend and promote domestic cricket through its tournaments.

It should be noted here that the rule has one exception. The English players can play in the IPL, usually held from April to May yearly.