PCB Raises Concern Over The Rise Of Indian Investment In Foreign T20 Leagues

In a recent development, the PCB has expressed concerns over the growth of Indian investment in franchise T20 leagues across the globe. It also implies that it could leave the Pakistani players locked out of opportunities to develop overseas.

Earlier last week, the auction for the inaugural SA20 league concluded. All six teams in the flagship edition are bought by IPL franchise owners. Notably, it did not feature a single Pakistani player.

In the UAE’s new ILT20, five of the six teams are Indian-owned and the only Pakistani player involved, Azam Khan, has been signed by the American-owned Desert Vipers.

PCB chairman Ramiz Raja reacts to the surge of Indian investment in foreign T20 Leagues

Pakistan’s players are not officially banned from representing those teams and Future Tours Programme commitments – they are due to play home series against New Zealand and West Indies in early 2023 – would limit the involvement of leading internationals regardless.

However, the recent surge in the number of franchises worldwide owned by Indian investors has prompted Ramiz Raja, the PCB’s chairman, to share his concerns with his counterparts about the prospect of Pakistani players being denied the chance to play around the world.

Only two Pakistan players have represented a franchise across T20 leagues with Indian ownership

There have also been preliminary talks with other boards to discuss the possibility of reciprocal arrangements regarding No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), which could see other boards release their players to appear in the PSL in exchange for the PCB granting NOCs to play in other leagues.

Two Pakistani players have represented a franchise with Indian ownership in the recent past: Azam is playing for Barbados Royals (owned by Rajasthan Royals’ Manoj Badale) in the ongoing CPL, while Fatima Sana represented their women’s team earlier this year.

Others, including Yasir Shah, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Hasnain, have previously turned out for Trinbago Knight Riders, owned by the Red Chillies Entertainment consortium, which also owns Kolkata Knight Riders.

ALSO READ: PAK vs ENG: Naseem Shah To Miss 5th T20I After Being Hospitalised