Board announces strict disciplinary measures for individuals who played in an ICC-disapproved cricket tournament without obtaining mandatory approvals.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations after taking notice of the participation of several former Pakistan cricketers in the 20th Asian Legends League 2026, currently being held in Zambia.
The board stressed that players must comply with international regulations before participating in overseas cricket events.
According to the PCB, the ICC has classified the Asian Legends League as an unsanctioned cricket tournament under its Regulations on the Sanctioning of Events and Player Release.
The governing body also noted that the competition has not received approval from the Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU), making it an unauthorized event under the established international framework.
The PCB highlighted that ICC regulations require every foreign player to secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective home cricket board before participating in overseas tournaments.
The regulations further oblige all ICC member boards to take disciplinary action against players who participate in unsanctioned competitions without prior approval. Failure by a member board to enforce these rules may also expose it to regulatory action by the ICC.
In response, the PCB has announced strict disciplinary measures against individuals found to have participated in the Zambia-based tournament without obtaining the necessary approvals from the board.
Under the new measures, affected individuals will face a two-year ban from receiving any PCB-issued No Objection Certificate for participation in approved overseas cricket leagues and events.
This restriction will prevent them from playing in recognized international franchise competitions during the suspension period.
Additionally, those involved will remain ineligible for any cricket-related role with the Pakistan Cricket Board or the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) for two years.
The ban extends to coaching, mentoring, consultancy, administrative, and other assignments connected with the PCB and the country’s premier T20 league.
The PCB reiterated that it remains fully committed to protecting the integrity, governance, and credibility of cricket by strictly implementing ICC regulations.
The board urged all current and former Pakistani cricketers to obtain the required approvals and NOCs before participating in overseas events that require PCB clearance.
The board also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the ICC and fellow member boards to ensure full compliance with the global regulatory framework governing international cricket and overseas player participation.