Amid the Champions Trophy controversy, Pakistan has suffered a major blow as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has banned its players from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and other franchise leagues. According to a report, England players will no longer be allowed to play in most global franchise leagues, except for the Indian Premier League (IPL), which has been given special consideration.
ECB’s Decision
As reported by The Telegraph, ECB CEO Richard Gould stated that the board aims to strengthen the foundation of cricket in England and Wales and elevate domestic competitions to a higher level. Gould explained, “By withholding No Objection Certificates (NOCs), we can provide clarity for players and professional county teams. This policy will help us support players who want to gain valuable experience while ensuring our domestic cricket remains a priority.”
Gould further emphasized that the boycott of external franchise leagues is designed to ensure no negative impact on competitions held in England. He also announced a new rule requiring players who do not participate in first-class cricket to mandatorily play domestic white-ball matches. Players will not be granted exemptions for other T20 leagues at the expense of domestic matches.
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PSL vs IPL Clash
The Pakistan Super League is usually held in February-March, but the upcoming tournament might take place in April-May due to Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 during its regular window. Meanwhile, IPL 2025 is scheduled to begin on March 14, with the final on May 25. This means both the IPL and PSL matches will overlap during April and May, creating a direct competition for viewership and player participation.