Pak Cricket Faces Setback as Players Go Unsold in The Hundred Draft
The absence of Pakistani players in The Hundred draft highlights the need for the PCB to revamp its approach to NOCs and player management, allowing players to participate in international leagues and gain valuable experience, while also ensuring the financial stability of the board and the sport as a whole.
All 50 Pakistani cricketers, including big names like Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, and Naseem Shah, went unsold in The Hundred draft, raising concerns about the sport's financial health and management in the country.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also reduced the match fees of players in domestic cricket from 100,000 rupees to 10,000 rupees per match, sparking questions about the board's financial stability. The PCB is considering spending less on domestic cricket development and has cut amenities for domestic players, including accommodation and air travel. Outstanding payments to players and umpires from last season remain unresolved, and the board has yet to implement an annual pension increase for former Test cricketers.
The PCB's handling of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) has been identified as a major factor in the lack of Pakistani players in The Hundred draft. The board's restrictive and inflexible approach to issuing NOCs has made Pakistani players unattractive options for franchises, contributing to the country's white-ball regression. The PCB's poor management of NOCs has resulted in players like Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi being unable to play consistently due to conflicting schedules.
The PCB needs to improve its handling of NOCs and be more flexible to help its players succeed in the international market. The board must address the underlying issues affecting the sport, including its financial health and management, to ensure the long-term success of Pakistani cricket.
