The T10 League NOC denial has angered a number of players.
Mohammad Hafeez, the recently appointed team director for Pakistan, has provided details on the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) procedure for cricket players in his country.
According to ESPNCricinfo, there may be a barrier preventing Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf from competing in the Big Bash League 2023–24. This is because it is expected that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will postpone issuing the required Nomination Certificate (NOC) for Rauf’s participation in the league.
According to sources who spoke to Cricket Pakistan, a number of other players are not happy that their NoCs for the T10 League were denied. The players contend that it is inappropriate to stop them from making extra money through leagues because there is plenty of time before the T20I series against New Zealand.
During a press conference held on Tuesday in Lahore, Hafeez mentioned that they will soon unveil a clear NOC policy that will be made public.
“We will soon come up with a clear NOC policy that will be made public. When you’re offered a central contract, the FTP of all 3 formats is kept in mind, and players getting central contracts should be available for Pakistan,” Hafeez said.
He acknowledged the existence of leagues but highlighted the need to manage workloads, especially considering the fatigue observed in players during the recent ODI World Cup.
“We have leagues as well, but we saw a lot of talk in the World Cup that players were fatigued due to heavy workloads. We have the T20 World Cup in mind going forward, and the NOC policy will keep Pakistan’s priorities in mind. If we want fit players, we need to manage workloads,” he added.
Hafeez also stressed the need to prioritize representing Pakistan and elevate the importance of playing domestic cricket in the country. He emphasized the significance of red-ball cricket, considering it the foundation of a player’s skills.
“Representing Pakistan must be given top priority. Additionally, we must make playing domestic cricket in Pakistan our top priority. Although red-ball cricket is the most significant form of the game, many Pakistani players are either abandoning or not wanting to play it. We’re going to take some action to regain focus. Maybe some will think they’re a bit harsh, but this is necessary to keep Pakistani cricket alive,” Hafeez stated.
“We can’t play any cricket until we can’t play red-ball cricket well. Red-ball cricket players will be given maximum opportunities and promotion in our strategy, as long-form cricket sharpens fundamental skills. We must reintegrate anyone who has strayed from this path.