‘Baseless. PCB delivers a forceful statement on “inaccurate” claims, warning that it “has the potential to fracture good relationships.”

‘Baseless. PCB delivers a forceful statement on “inaccurate” claims, warning that it “has the potential to fracture good relationships.”

In response to rumors that its players had been refused a no-objection certificate (NOC) to compete in Australia’s top domestic T20 tournament, the Big Bash League (BBL), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a stern statement on Wednesday. The PCB described the claims as “baseless, factually incorrect, and speculative” in their response. The board also provided comprehensive details on how the NOCs for the BBL, ILT20, and Cricket South Africa’s new T20 league were issued.

The Pakistan Cricket Board referred to the ESPNCricinfo report as “baseless, factually false, and speculative,” in a statement. “PCB will refuse NOC to Pakistani players for BBL; no clarification on ILT20 or CSA league,” it said.

“The PCB said that ESPNCricinfo contacted it on Tuesday, 2 August, at 1120, asking for comments by 1400 the same day, at the latest. At 11:30, ESPNCricinfo received word that the PCB will respond by Wednesday, August 3, business closure.

The PCB further provided details on the subject, stating that internal conversations over the provision of NOCs took place after receiving the initial list of players for the BBL draught on July 16. On August 2, the board got a second list of players.

Additionally, the PCB received two requests for centrally contracted players for the ILT20; however, the board responded that these players’ availability would depend on their international obligations. Cricket South Africa did not submit a request for its league.” Players may apply for a maximum of three NOCs annually, according to the PCB NOC Guidelines, which do not apply to the PSL or the PSL plus one as previously stated “Written further on the PCB.

The PCB stressed in its statement’s conclusion that these reports “potentially [had] the ability to] cause a fracture in the smooth, healthy, and courteous relationship between the PCB and all its stakeholders.”