The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has come under heavy criticism after suspending the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) of top national players, stopping them from participating in foreign leagues. 

 

The decision that came a day after Pakistan’s loss to India in the Asia Cup final has sparked widespread debate among fans and experts.

 

The board had initially cleared several cricketers to play in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), but those approvals have now been revoked. The move directly impacts Pakistan’s biggest names, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf.

 

The decision drew sharp criticism as both Babar and Rizwan were not even part of the squad that lost the Asia Cup final. Many questioned why they were being penalised for a defeat they had no role in.

 

One fan on X questioned the fairness of the decision, writing, “Not giving NOC to the ones who weren’t even part of the Asia Cup squad? Yeh kahan ka insaaf hai, or should I specifically ask what are they punishing Babar for?”

 

Another user called it a disappointing move, saying, “No NOC for Babar Azam to play in BBL. A player of his class deserves global exposure, not restrictions. This only hurts Pakistan cricket’s image.”

 

“Bad decision by PCB to not give NOC. Muhammad Rizwan and Babar Azam were not even in the Asia Cup squad,” wrote a third.

 

Another reaction highlighted the board’s inconsistency, saying, “If the PCB forced Babar Azam not to play in the BBL, then he seriously needs to take bold steps. He wasn’t even in your T20I team because of your ego, so what’s the point of cancelling everyone’s NOC? Cancel the NOC of those who were playing for your favourite team instead.”

 

Others expressed concern over Pakistan’s relations with foreign boards. One user directly tagged the PCB and wrote, “Who is taking such decisions in the PCB? How will this help relations with other boards i.e. Cricket Australia who have signed on Babar, Shaheen etc. for big money for Big Bash? Why were NOCs issued in the first place?”

 

Former PTI leader Asad Umar also weighed in, calling the decision “insane”.

 

“Stopping Pak players from playing in best leagues is insane. It denies them the chance to play against the best and with the best support staff to develop their game. Plus it is their right to make halal paisa—or do you want them to make money from bookies?” Umar wrote in a post on X.

Stopping Pak players from playing in best leagues is insane. It denies them the chance to play against the best & with the best support staff to develop their game. Plus it is their right to make halal paisa or do you want them to make money from bookies?? @babarazam258…

— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) October 3, 2025

 

The decision has now turned into a major talking point, with fans demanding clarity from the board on why players, who were not even part of the Asia Cup squad, were punished.