England stars' PSL 2025 participation at risk? Players demand NOC clarity from ECB
Published - 14 Jan 2025, 01:04 PM | Updated - 14 Jan 2025, 11:35 PM
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England players are seeking clarification from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on whether they will receive No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to take part in the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). They are in discussion with the ECB regarding the NOCs after being snapped up during the draft in Lahore for the Pakistan Super League 2025 (PSL 2025).
James Vince was retained by the Karachi Kings, while Chris Jordan and David Willey were also retained by the Multan Sultans for the upcoming PSL 2025. On the other hand, Peshawar Zalmi signed Tom Kohler-Cadmore as the draft while Sam Billings and Tom Curran were snapped by the Lahore Qalandars on Monday, January 13, for the upcoming season.
England players seek ECB clarity on NOCs for PSL 2025
Well, the Pakistan Super League has decided to move the tournament window from their past one, as the upcoming PSL 2025 will be held in the April-May window, and it would clash with the start of the English season for the first time. The County Championship Division One is set to get underway on March 4, while the 2025 PSL will kick off on April 10 with the final being held on May 25.
But the real frustration among players is that the ECB announced a new NOC policy in November last year to defend their game, and according to which players won’t get the NOCs for overseas leagues that take place during the English summer, including the PSL, CPL, and MLC.
However, the ECB has given relaxation for the IPL. Later, the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) expressed disappointment and said that the new NOC policy damaged their relationship with the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Sam Billings and Tom Curran among top English players to get NOCs
Meanwhile, an ESPNCricinfo report suggested that England’s top players like Sam Billings, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, and David Willey are expected to receive NOCs from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for the upcoming Pakistan Super League, despite the new policy restrictions.
It is being said that the England and Wales Cricket Board's "consultation group" will review requests based on the criteria set in November last year. The PSL-bound players, who have either white-ball contracts or are ready to renegotiate their multi-format contracts, are likely to be granted NOCs.
However, things are more complicated for Tom Kohler-Cadmore and James Vince, as they are currently on all-format contracts with Somerset and Hampshire, respectively. If Tom Kohler-Cadmore and James Vince manage to get the NOCs from the ECB, they will miss the first six matches of the upcoming County Championship Division One 2025.
Progress has been made across a number of implementation areas: PCA
On the other hand, it is confirmed that Jonny Bairstow and Adil Rashid won’t get the NOCs for the PSL 2025. However, the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) has been finding out the middle way to solve the NOC issue with the legal team, players, and the England and Wales Cricket Board.
A PCA spokesperson was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “Following the announcement of the NOC policy and its proposed implementation, the PCA has been engaging with its members, legal team, and the ECB, collectively representing current players to find solutions on restrictions. Progress has been made across a number of implementation areas; however, each NOC request is on a case-by-case basis, and there remains ongoing consultation.”
