Huge blow to PCB as England ban players from playing in Pakistan Super League amid Champions Trophy row

England players banned from playing PSL. (Photo: PTI)

The ECB is reportedly planning to prohibit players from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and other T20 leagues that overlap with the English domestic season, according to a report by The Telegraph.

An exception will be made for the Indian Premier League (IPL), which has a dedicated two-and-a-half-month window in the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP).

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Outside of the IPL, the ECB will no longer issue No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for leagues running concurrently with domestic fixtures. This decision will directly impact the PSL, typically held in April-May, among other competitions.

While the ECB has yet to make an official announcement, The Telegraph indicates the proposal will be reviewed and finalized by the board next week.

According to the report, the policy aims to "safeguard the quality of the domestic game," though the immediate concern appears to be the potential loss of homegrown players to lucrative overseas leagues.

"This policy gives clarity to players and professional counties around our approach to issuing No Objection Certificates. It will enable us to strike the right balance between supporting players who want to take up opportunities to earn and gain experience, while also protecting the integrity of cricket globally," Richard Gould, ECB chief executive, said on the policy.

T20 cricket and franchise leagues have experienced rapid growth globally in recent years, with nearly every major cricketing nation establishing its own league. Additionally, several 10-over format leagues have emerged in the Middle East.

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Reports indicate that 74 England-qualified players participated in franchise tournaments worldwide last year. However, the ECB is now looking to shift this trend by promoting participation in its own domestic competitions.

Notably, there is one exception to the new policy: English players will still be permitted to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which runs annually during April-May.