PCB may Ban ex-Pakistan players for playing in Unsanctioned League, These Indian stars also Played It

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has threatened disciplinary action against several former Pakistan cricketers who participated in the Asian Legends League in Zambia, an event that has been declared unsanctioned by the country’s governing body.

The tournament, which began on July 30 in Lusaka, has come under scrutiny after the Zambia Cricket Union (ZCU) issued a statement last week clarifying that the competition was “not sanctioned, approved or endorsed by ZCU.”

Following that clarification, the PCB said it had taken “serious notice” of the participation of former Pakistan players and announced strict disciplinary measures against those who took part without obtaining the required approvals.

“In light of the above, the following disciplinary measures will be taken on individuals found to have participated in the said unsanctioned event without obtaining the requisite approvals from the PCB,” the PCB statement said.

“A ban of two years from the issuance of any PCB No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participation in approved overseas cricket leagues or events. [And] Ineligibility for any cricketing, coaching, consultancy, mentoring and/or other assignments with the PCB and the PSL for a period of two years,” it added.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the PCB considers the breach to have already taken place, with the tournament currently underway. One of the six participating teams, Pakistan Panthers, is made up entirely of former Pakistan cricketers and has already played two matches.

The report added that Mohammad Hafeez, Sohail Tanvir and Umar Akmal had initially travelled to Lusaka after signing up for the league. However, the trio reportedly decided not to participate after learning that the necessary ICC approvals had not been obtained.

But other Pakistani former international players who played in the competition are Imran Nazir, Taufeeq Umar, Yasir Shah, and Mohammad Irfan.

Indian players also part of tournament

The controversy also has an Indian connection. The Asian Legends League features a franchise named Indian Royals, comprising former Indian cricketers alongside overseas legends.

However, unlike the PCB, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not issued any public statement regarding the participation of Indian players in the tournament.

Apart from Pakistan Panthers and Indian Royals, the competition also includes Sri Lankan Lions, Bangladesh Tigers, Afghanistan Pathans and Asian Stars, with players representing nine different nationalities.

The squad mentions having Indian players such as Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina in the squad – but none of them featured in the tournament.

MyKhel can confirm that a number of former IPL and India players participated in the tournament.

Former India player Naman Ojha, Rishi Dhawan have participated in the matches. Ex-India pacer VRV Singh was also part of the tournament. Former IPL players such as Shadab Jakati, Anureet Singh, and Manpreet Gony have also featured in the first couple of matches.

The league continued its matches till August 3, but the matches on Tuesday (August 4) weren’t played. The league’s website promoted with the images of Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan as its flagship players, but MyKhel can confirm none of them flew to Zambia.