BCCI vs PCB: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are growing concerned with the rise in Indian ownership across franchise T20 Leagues. IPL franchises own all six teams in the SA20 while ILT20 has five Indian owners. With the geopolitical rivalry on, PCB are concerned that their best players will be locked out of opportunities in foreign Leagues. Follow all Cricket news and updates on Insidesport.IN.
BCCI vs PCB: PCB concerned over rising Indian ownership in T20 Leagues, negotiate NOCs with other boards after fears of players being locked out – Check out
With 14 of the 18 teams across CPL, IlT20 and SA20 having ties with IPL franchises and Indian ownership, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have grown concerned with their players being locked out of the opportunity. The recently concluded SA20 auction saw no player from Pakistan being bought. The ILT20 also features a solitary Pakistan player, with Azam Khan signing for the Glazers-backed Desert Vipers.
In the CPL, while Pakistan players are in action, only two have played for an Indian-owned franchise. Rajasthan Royals’ sister franchise Barbados Royals have roped in Azam Khan, while their women’s team had Fatima Sana in the inaugural WIPL. Yasir Shah, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Hasnain have previously turned out for the Trinbago Knight Riders.
BCCI vs PCB: Why are Pakistan Cricket Board concerned?
- Pakistan players are banned from the IPL and the rising Indian ownership across the other leagues are already hurting their chances.
- The SA20 Auction saw no Pakistan players picked where all teams are owned by IPL franchises.
- The ILT20 has five teams owned by Indians, with three franchises involved. Only Azam Khan has been picked and he’ll feature for the Glazer-owned Desert Vipers.
- The CPL also has three Indian-owned franchises, and opportunities have been limited for Pakistan players to feature in those teams.
- PCB are now in the process of re-negotiating terms with other boards, offering entry into the PSL in return for Pakistan players featuring in their respective leagues.
In the IPL, Pakistan players have been banned after the inaugural edition in 2008 and the scenario is unlikely to change despite the cordial relations between Ramiz Raja and Sourav Ganguly. SA20 franchises also opted against angering their established fanbase at home and steered clear of players from Pakistan.
Ramiz Raja has raised his concerns and is in talks with other cricket boards to sign reciprocal NOCs to give Pakistan players the best possible chance at featuring in franchise tournaments. PCB would grant the chance for foreign players to play in the PSL in return for Pakistan players featuring in their respective leagues.