After Signing PSL Contracts, English Players Want Clarification on Their NOC

At the Lahore draft, several English players, including Tom Curran, Sam Billings, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore, were recently signed to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

To enable them to play in the competition, they are now requesting clarification from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on granting No-Objection Certificates (NOCs). This predicament results from the PSL’s 2025 move to an April–May window, which for the first time coincides with the start of the English cricket season.

PSL 2025 English Players

The most recent draft selected players like Tom Curran (both of Lahore Qalandars), Sam Billings, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Peshawar Zalmi). 

Other players from prior seasons, such as David Willey (both Multan Sultans), Chris Jordan, and James Vince (Karachi Kings), have been kept on. 

Players who have signed contracts with PSL teams are becoming concerned because the PSL’s new timeframe now coincides with the beginning of the English domestic season.

The Effects of the ECB’s New NOC Policy

Players have responded strongly to the ECB’s announcement of a new NOC policy for English players in late November, which triggered the debate. 

Except for the IPL, the new rule prohibits players from obtaining NOCs for any foreign tournaments during the English summer, including the PSL, CPL, and MLC. When ECB CEO Richard Gould presented the strategy, he stated its goal was to “defend our game.” A Betpro account could offer players who want to keep up with NOC regulations and investigate prospects in different cricket leagues helpful information and tools to help them make judgments and plans.

The PCA, which describes their relationship with the ECB as one of “genuine collaboration,” voiced dissatisfaction with the policy, saying they felt caught off guard and that their relationship had soured. 

Players on white-ball contracts with counties will only be permitted to play in foreign leagues that do not conflict with the T20 Blast or the Hundred due to the new regulations.

Responses from the PCA and Players

At first, the ECB intended to prevent players—especially those whose contracts included red-ball appearances—from skipping County Championship games to play abroad. 

Players like Billings, Curran, Jordan, and Willey are anticipated to receive NOCs for the PSL after the ECB loosened their position in response to pressure from players, their representatives, and the PCA.

Players with white-ball contracts or those who decide to restructure their multi-format deals may be eligible for NOCs to play in the PSL; however, each request will be evaluated individually by the ECB’s NOC "consultation group." 

Even though the PSL season coincides with the English domestic season, this has offered optimism to players who want to play for their PSL teams.

The Dilemma of James Vince and Tom Kohler-Cadmore

James Vince and Tom Kohler-Cadmore have all-format contracts with their respective counties, Hampshire and Somerset. 

These players now have to make a tough decision since they would miss at least the first six County Championship games if they meet their PSL obligations. They must carefully weigh their alternatives because the PSL is scheduled from April 8 to May 19.

Vince and Kohler-Cadmore are reportedly considering renegotiating their contracts with their counties since they risk missing a large chunk of the domestic season. They will probably need to set up a NOC to fulfill their PSL obligations if they want to proceed.

Some Players’ Unavailability for the PSL Draft

Following clarification from the ECB, six players with England central contracts who had initially registered for the PSL 2025 draft were listed as “unavailable" by the new NOC policy. 

These players, who included Adil Rashid and Jonny Bairstow, were told they would not be given NOCs to play in the PSL. Players hoping to compete in the tournament were frustrated by this decision.

Although it is unclear whether players with white-ball contracts will receive NOCs for international events like the PSL, the ECB’s position on safeguarding the English domestic season is obvious.

The ECB’s Continuous Consultation with PCA

The PCA and the ECB have been in continuous discussions to address the new limitations on NOCs. The union has interacted with members, the legal staff, and the ECB to ensure players' interests are reflected. 

Despite advancements in some areas, the situation is unstable, and each NOC request is evaluated separately.

The PCA has hoped that a resolution will be achieved quickly to give players the freedom to play in international competitions like the PSL without endangering their commitments to the English domestic season.

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Final Thoughts!

English players who have committed to PSL teams are anxiously awaiting clarification from the ECB over the NOC procedure as the 2025 PSL season approaches. 

The new legislation has caused confusion and concern mainly for players with multi-format contracts torn between their desire to participate in the lucrative PSL and their obligations to the English domestic season.

The outcome of the ECB’s NOC discussions will determine whether or not many of these players can continue to play in international competitions like the PSL. 

As they wait for more information, the issue emphasizes the growing conflict between domestic T20 leagues’ global appeal and international obligations.