PCB may restrict players’ participation in T20 leagues

Monitoring Desk

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is drafting new rules to restrict contracted players’ participation in cash-rich T20 leagues around the world.

A meeting was held in Lahore on Thursday to discuss various proposals on the matter. If the new rules are formally applied, PCB-contracted players will not be allowed to play in more than two leagues per year.

“New rules are being drafted for players’ participation in domestic and foreign leagues. One proposal is that the maximum number of T20 leagues contracted players can play in will be two per year, including PSL,” said a source privy to the matter.

The meeting was chaired by PCB chairman Najam Sethi and attended by Haroon Rasheed, Mudassar Nazar, Shakil Sheikh, Subhan Ahmed and Naila Bhatti, among others.

It was agreed in the meeting that domestic cricket structure will remain unchanged, but an increment in fees for regional players was approved. It was also agreed that the national selection committee will have a greater say in the selection of regional teams for domestic tournaments.

Regulations for local cricket leagues were also discussed in the meeting. “Local leagues with media and commercial rights will be regulated and will have to meet certain PCB conditions regarding anti-corruption measures plus selection of players and sponsors and fee payment,” the source added.

A final report on the recommendations will be submitted to the PCB chairman in the next few days for formal approval.

PCB to discuss domestic restructuring: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to discuss key issues in the upcoming meeting on Friday.

According to a report published in Daily Express, the issues which will come under discussion during the meeting will include giving No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to the players for taking part in the foreign leagues and restructuring of the domestic cricket.

PCB chairman Najam Sethi will head the meeting where Director of Cricket Operations Haroon Rasheed, Director International Cricket Academy Mudassar Nazar, member governing board Mansoor Masood, Quetta Gladiators team owner Nadeem Umar will be present while former fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar and Misbahul Haq are also invited.

The report further indicates that changes in the domestic cricket structure are likely after a period of three years, where the idea to increase the number of teams will also be discussed.

The idea of having just one first-class tournament, which will comprise of regions and departmental teams combined, is also on the agenda.