The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has warned to take strict disciplinary action against former national cricketers who participate in the ongoing Asian Legends League in Zambia. The controversy started when the Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU), the country’s governing body, said it was not sanctioned or endorsed by them. After this clarification, the PCB said the event also did not have the required approvals for former Pakistan players to take part. The development has put the spotlight on many big names, with the board making it clear that all present and past cricketers will need prior No Objection Certificates (NOCs) before they attend overseas events. While a few high-profile players reportedly withdrew after learning about the approval issues, others are believed to have played in the competition, prompting the PCB to initiate action. The issue has sparked debate over player responsibilities, cricket governance, and the enforcement of regulations governing participation in unofficial overseas tournaments.
PCB Announces Tough Disciplinary Measures
The PCB said it has taken “serious notice” of former Pakistan cricketers participating in the Asian Legends League, which it said is an unsanctioned event. “If you participate without the necessary approvals, you’re breaking the board’s rules and it will have no choice but to take disciplinary action,” says the board.
The proposed punishment is harsh. Any player found to have played in overseas cricket leagues or tournaments without the required clearance could be denied a PCB No Objection Certificate (NOC) for playing in such events for two years. In addition, those players may also become ineligible for cricket-related assignments with the PCB and the Pakistan Super League (PSL), including coaching, mentoring, consultancy, and administrative roles during the same period.
The PCB reiterated that the purpose of these regulations is to ensure compliance with ICC guidelines and maintain proper governance of the game. The board stressed that all former players intending to feature in overseas competitions must seek prior approval before signing up for any tournament.
Several Former Pakistan Stars Under Scanner
The Asian Legends League, which began on July 30 in Lusaka, features six franchise teams, including the Pakistan Panthers, a squad made up entirely of former Pakistan cricketers. According to reports, players such as Sharjeel Khan, Kamran Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Saeed Ajmal, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Zulfiqar Babar and others were listed in the squad, while some are believed to have taken the field during the tournament.
However, not every contracted player eventually played. Reports indicate that Mohammad Hafeez, Sohail Tanvir and Umar Akmal travelled to Zambia but decided against participating after learning that the required approvals from cricket authorities had not been secured.
Interestingly, the PCB is the only cricket board so far to publicly threaten disciplinary action against its former players despite the tournament featuring retired cricketers from several countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. As the league continues, attention will remain on how the PCB implements its announced measures and whether the affected players challenge the board’s decision.
Pakistan Panthers Squad: Sharjeel Khan, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Imran Nazir, Saeed Ajmal, Sohail Tanvir, Yasir Shah, Naved-ul-Hasan, Mohammad Irfan, Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali, Hasan Raza, Yasir Bhatt, Rana Naeem Anwar
