The dispute between the ECB and the PCB regarding the non-issuance of NOCs to English players in the PSL has taken a new turn. In November 2024, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decided not to issue the NOCs to its all-format players.
The decision was taken due to the Pakistan Super League’s clash in dates with the Indian Premier League. PSL 2025 will take place in April-May this year instead of February-March due to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The PSL dates were clashing with the initial rounds of this season’s County Championship which forced the ECB to take such a decision. ECB’s decision forced James Vince to take retirement from domestic red-ball cricket to make himself available for the PSL.
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PCB’s stance on ECB’s decision of non-issuing of NOCs for PSL
According to the reports, the PSL franchises were already informed about the unavailability of four star England players ahead of the PSL draft. The English players were unhappy with the decision and were even ready to confront their board.
However, the English board made it clear to the PCB that any further decision regarding the NOCs would only be taken after the end of the league. The PCB decided to prioritize its longstanding relationship with the ECB over this dispute.
The PCB prioritized its longstanding relationship with the ECB over the dispute. Before the PSL draft, franchises were informed about the unavailability of four star players. The players were ready to confront their board, but Pakistan was advised by England that even if such a…
— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) January 22, 2025
While it is not clear about those four-star players, they are likely the four top English players. The decision hasn’t met well with the players and they have shown their concern to the board.
James Vince quits first-class cricket
England’s James Vince became the first cricketer from his country to make a major decision on this dispute. The 33-year-old top-order batter retired from first-class cricket to make himself available for the PSL.
Vince was retained by Karachi Kings ahead of the PSL draft which prompted him to take such a decision. He has played 45 games over the years and scored 1166 runs at an average of 27.76.
James Vince slams the ECB
James Vince also slammed his country’s board for favoring the IPL over PSL. He spoke on ECB’s decision and claimed that the players are frustrated by it which can prompt them to go away from red-ball cricket.
“When they first mentioned it, a WhatsApp group of players was created and there was a lot of discussion. The initial feeling was that it was going to drive people away from red-ball cricket,” Vince told ESPNCricinfo.
“It felt like it was going to limit opportunities. Players were frustrated by it… There were a few things in there that [we] didn’t understand,” he claimed.
“That’s a big one that has caused a lot of confusion. It’s got to be something to do with relationships between the ECB, PCB, and BCCI as to why they’ve come up with that rule,” the 33-year-old added.
It is a big year for Pakistan cricket as they will be hosting an ICC tournament in the form of the Champions Trophy during the February-March window. The upcoming season of PSL will begin on April 7, 2025. Meanwhile, the IPL 2025 season will begin on March 21.