Want to play in MCL? Retire first, says PCB

Board clarifies eligibility criterion to obtain NOCs for retired cricketers’ league

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced in a statement on Wednesday that players who wish to play in the Masters Cricket League (MCL), which would be a direct rival to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to clash of dates, should announce their retirement from international cricket.

Several cricketers, including Yasir Hameed, who have not been part of the national side for some time, had complained that the board was even asking them to retire from domestic cricket as well, but the PCB officials have rubbished the claims, stating there is no truth in the rumours.



“In view of requests for No-Objection Certificates [NOC] from various players, the PCB wishes to clarify that NOCs would only be issues to those cricketers who have announced and confirmed their irrevocable resignation and retirement from international cricket on behalf of Pakistan in writing to PCB,” read the PCB press release. “Such cricketers will, however, remain eligible to play in domestic cricket as per the rules.”

The PCB further explained that the MCL, which comprises retired cricketers, is scheduled to take place in UAE next month during the same dates and at the same venues as the PSL and for this reason, the board has formulated a policy to govern the participation of Pakistani players in the MCL.



Meanwhile, former captain Mohammad Yousuf has urged the PCB not to create any problems for retired cricketers who want to increase their income by playing in the MCL, and should in fact guide and support them in their endeavour.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14^th, 2016.

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