BCB’s new NOC rule draws flak from T20 franchises across the globe

Earlier today, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) declared that they will allow the country’s contracted players only two No Objection Certificates (NOC) each year to play overseas leagues. The decision has now drawn serious criticism from T20 franchises all across the globe.

BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury accounted the board’s decision as a move to keep their top players free from injury and fatigue issues. The new guidelines, which restrict players from participating in leagues across all the formats of the game come into effect immediately. However, limiting the number of NOCs is an unprecedented move from the BCB, and given how they have reacted in the past, this policy could witness a reversal as well.  The rules also mandate the national players to participate in Bangladesh’s first-class tournaments as well.

Bangladeshi players like Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman and Tamim Iqbal—have been quite sought after by various franchises across the world and will suffer the most. The trio has also been roped in for next month’s T10 Cricket League, and the organizers are now awaiting a clarification from the BCB.

PSL franchise Peshawar Zalmi confident of having Shakib and Tamim on board

And only last week during PSL’s player draft, Peshawar Zalmi retained Shakib and bought Tamim for this edition of the league. And despite the BCB’s order, Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi is confident of having both the players on board. The Peshawar franchise, which won the PSL last season, has also made the two Bangladeshi players its ambassadors.

Speaking to Sportstar, a confident Afridi was quoted as saying, “We had brought them in only after they got NOCs from BCB. There is no way they can stay away now. We have completed all the necessary formalities with the Pakistan Cricket Board, and the Bangladesh players should be available for us. We are confident of having them on board.”