NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly suspended all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players planning to participate in foreign T20 leagues following the national team’s defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final.Pakistan suffered a five-wicket loss to India on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, as the Suryakumar Yadav-led side secured India’s ninth Asia Cup title.On September 29, Sumair Ahmad Syed, the PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, issued a notice to players and agents regarding the suspension of NOCs.This decision directly impacts key players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Rizwan, who are among seven Pakistani cricketers scheduled to play in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).In addition, 16 Pakistani players, including Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman, are registered for the International League T20 (ILT20) auction, set to begin on October 1 in the UAE.The board has indicated that the move is intended to encourage players to focus on domestic tournaments, particularly the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class competition, which is set to start in October. However, there is no clarity on when the current NOC suspension might be lifted or how long the evaluation process will take.Pakistan endured three consecutive defeats against India in the Asia Cup, including a seven-wicket loss in the group stage, a six-wicket defeat in the Super Fours, and the five-wicket loss in the final.The post-final presentation ceremony descended into chaos when Indian players refused to accept the winner’s trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).As Naqvi waited on one side of the stage, the Indian team remained about 15 yards away, refusing to move. The delay continued for several minutes, and when Naqvi finally stepped onto the stage, Indian fans booed loudly, chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Officials then informed Naqvi that the Indian players would not accept the trophy from him.With the trophy unclaimed, the presentation concluded without the formal handover. Naqvi eventually left the dais still holding the trophy and winners’ medals. Indian players later celebrated by mimicking holding an invisible trophy, while Suryakumar Yadav announced in the post-match press conference that he would donate his Asia Cup match fees to the Indian armed forces.
