PCB Hunts Down On Pakistan Superstars Playing In USA; Takes Harsh Steps
PCB issued show-cause notice to players | Source: Twitter
The Pakistan Cricket Board has issued show-cause notices to its players participating in the minor leagues in the USA without obtaining the mandatory no-objection certificate (NOCs).
Notably, PCB has taken action after Test player Fawad Alam moved to the USA for cricket and plans to stick around. Currently, a bunch of big Pakistan names, even international circuit players including Sohaib Maqsood, Arshad Iqbal, and more are playing in the USA.
According to reports, these players have not obtained NOCs from the Pakistan Cricket Board before heading to the USA. However, a source in the board confirmed that a few players including Fawad Alam had visit visas and informed the board before going to the USA.
Another source reported that a bunch of players, including Alam, have gone ahead and applied for these visas that could get them green cards in about a year and a half, which means they are eyeing a more permanent gig in the USA.
“Besides the minor league, other cricket matches and tournaments are held year round especially at long weekends and players remain busy with playing and coaching. And with the launch of the USA Major League, USA is now a feasible destination for some Pakistani players who are overlooked at home.”
Fawad Alam's father-in-law, Mansoor Akhtar, a former Pakistan batter, is now a USA national and resides in Houston. Several other former players, including Sami Aslam, Hammad Azam, Nauman Anwar, and Ramiz Raja, have also settled in the USA and currently hold green cards.
What is the criteria to participate in USA Minor League?
Notably, if a player wants to join the USA Minor League as a local, they have to call it quits on both international and domestic cricket as per rules. However, players who wish to continue their international or domestic careers are afforded the opportunity to participate as 'guest' players, without the initiation of green card status procedures by their respective teams.
The PCB previously instituted a condition of $10,000 for securing a No Objection Certificate ahead of finalizing contracts with foreign leagues.
However, this amount is covered by the respective teams, not the players themselves. Should a team secure permission for players and subsequently enter into contracts with additional Pakistani players, an extra $10,000 fee is levied.
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