The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced disciplinary action against former national cricketers who participated in the Asian Legends League in Zambia without obtaining required approvals, including a two-year ban from overseas leagues and PCB assignments.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has moved to penalize former cricketers for their involvement in the Asian Legends League, an unsanctioned tournament currently underway in Zambia. The PCB stated it has taken "serious notice" of the participation and outlined strict disciplinary measures for those found to have competed without proper authorization.
According to the PCB's statement, players who participated without obtaining requisite approvals will face a two-year ban from receiving No Objection Certificates for approved overseas cricket leagues and events. Additionally, they will be deemed ineligible for any cricketing, coaching, consultancy, mentoring or other assignments with the PCB and the Pakistan Super League for the same period. The Zambia Cricket Union previously clarified that the league was "not sanctioned, approved or endorsed" by its organization.
Sixteen former Pakistan cricketers were listed on the roster for the Pakistan Panthers team, one of six squads competing in the tournament that began on July 30. However, some high-profile players reportedly reconsidered their participation after learning the required ICC approvals had not been secured. According to Cricinfo, Mohammad Hafeez, Sohail Tanvir, and Umar Akmal arrived in Lusaka but ultimately chose not to play, though other roster members did participate in matches.
Notably, the PCB is the sole cricket board among those represented in the competition to issue disciplinary warnings. The league also features Indian, Sri Lankan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan players, yet their respective cricket boards have not announced similar actions. The PCB emphasized its commitment to upholding ICC regulations and stated that all cricketers seeking to participate in overseas events requiring board clearance must obtain necessary approvals prior to participation.
