Steve Smith, Kane Williamson reject participation in PSL 2025 draft; England stars also unavailable

Star cricketers', including Australian batter Steve Smith and former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, participation in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 remains uncertain. No Objection Certificates (NOCs) issue from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is also yet to be resolved.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had opened the registration process for overseas players in December to include their names in the draft for the next season of PSL. The draft is set to take place in Gwadar, Balochistan, on January 11, 2025. All six franchises had released their retention lists a week earlier.

Stars Not Selected in IPL 2025 Mega Auction Can Feature in PSL 2025

The 10th edition of the PSL will overlap with the Indian Premier League (IPL). International stars who were not selected in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction can feature in the PCB's T20 tournament.

Several prominent players, including David Warner, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson, went unsold during the IPL auction. However, not all of these players may be tempted to the PSL due to the tournament's salary cap restrictions.

The Issue of NOCs from the ECB for the Star Cricketers Remains Unresolved

Sports journalist Saleem Khaliq reported that the participation of England's star cricketers in the Pakistan Super League is uncertain due to unresolved issues with NOCs from the ECB. He stated that the players' names are included in the PSL draft, but their participation depends on receiving permission.

"The issue of NOCs (No Objection Certificates) from the ECB for the star Cricketers remains unresolved. Their names are included in the PSL draft, but their participation is conditional on receiving permission," Saleem Khaliq wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The issue of NOCs (No Objection Certificates) from the ECB for the star Cricketers remains unresolved. Their names are included in the PSL draft, but their participation is conditional on receiving permission

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) January 7, 2025

English cricketers will not be granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to participate in leagues that overlap with the English summer, with the only exception being the Indian Premier League.

Players with white-ball-only contracts will still be allowed to compete in tournaments that clash with the County Championship. English players may be more focused on limited-overs competitions like the T20 Blast or The Hundred, given the restrictions on overlapping tournaments.

Will Steve Smith and Kane Williamson Feature in Pakistan Super League 10?

Saleem Khaliq reported that Steve Smith has opted out of the PSL draft, citing other commitments as the reason. Kane Williamson has also declined, but there are ongoing efforts to convince him to participate.

"Steve Smith has excused himself from participating in the PSL draft, citing other commitments as the reason for his decision. Kane Williamson has also declined, although efforts are still underway to persuade him," Khaliq stated.

Steve Smith has excused himself from participating in the PSL draft, citing other commitments as the reason for his decision. Kane Williamson has also declined, although efforts are still underway to persuade him

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) January 7, 2025

David Warner, Tim Southee, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mustafizur Rahman are among the prominent international players who have registered for the PSL Draft. Over 80 players, primarily from Australia and England, have expressed their intention to participate in the draft scheduled for January 11.

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