The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a new No Objection Certificate (NOC) policy, prohibiting players from participating in overseas T20 leagues if they clash with England’s domestic season (April to July). This move has sparked outrage among England’s T20 specialists, with many exploring legal options against the decision.
Key highlights of the new policy
- No NOC during the domestic season: Players under county contracts will not be allowed to participate in leagues like the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), Major League Cricket (MLC), or Caribbean Premier League (CPL) if they overlap with domestic competitions like the T20 Blast or The Hundred.
- Focus on the T20 Blast and Hundred: High-profile players like Jason Roy and Alex Hales, who have previously skipped parts of the Blast to participate in overseas leagues, are directly affected.
- Impacts on T20 specialists: Players without central contracts, who rely on white-ball cricket deals, feel particularly targeted by the policy, as it limits their ability to earn through overseas leagues.
Player backlash and legal challenges
The policy has drawn sharp criticism from players and their representatives:
- Legal review by PCA: The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) is consulting its legal team to assess the implications of the policy. Interim CEO Daryl Mitchell expressed concern over the lack of proper consultation with players.
- Frustrations over inconsistencies: Players have pointed out that while the IPL remains unaffected, leagues like PSL and LPL are banned during the same period, leading to accusations of favoritism towards the IPL.
- Legal action explored: Many players, including those who operate as T20 “mercenaries” with freelance contracts, are considering legal action, with discussions ongoing within player networks.
Reasons for the policy
The ECB’s move stems from the growing clash between global franchise leagues and the English domestic calendar. The extended T20 Blast schedule and overlapping dates with leagues like the PSL and LPL have created scheduling conflicts. By restricting NOCs, the ECB aims to prioritize domestic competitions and retain player availability.
Impact on overseas leagues
- PSL and LPL in jeopardy: The PSL and LPL, both scheduled to overlap with the County Championship and T20 Blast, are the most affected.
- Reduced opportunities for English players: The policy significantly limits English players’ participation in these leagues, potentially reducing the talent pool for such tournaments.