Photo Credit: ECB
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is preparing to impose restrictions on English players participating in international leagues. According to reports from the Telegraph, the ECB is concerned that players may prioritize franchise cricket over the domestic season.
Next year, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is scheduled to overlap with the English domestic season. The ECB is exploring ways to safeguard domestic cricket, with discussions suggesting that players may be barred from participating in overseas leagues, with the exception of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
It is reported that the ECB will only permit players to play in the IPL. However, those contracted with county teams will require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from both their county and the board to play in overseas competitions during the English summer, which coincides with the domestic season.
Reports also indicate that some counties believe players view English domestic cricket as a “fallback” option, using club facilities year-round but opting to miss domestic games to play in other leagues.
As more players choose overseas leagues over domestic cricket, the ECB is considering a stricter stance, potentially preventing players from participating in external leagues during the domestic season. Previously, NOC decisions were primarily made by individual countries, with minimal involvement from the ECB.
The PSL is set to run from April 7 to May 20 next year, overlapping with the English domestic season, a window that may be used annually for the PSL. The ECB is concerned about the impact this could have on domestic cricket.
Last year, 16 English players participated in the PSL, and this year, leagues like Major League Cricket, Global T20 Canada, Caribbean Premier League, and Zim Afro T10 clashed with the English summer.
The ECB is expected to release a game-wide policy soon. A player agent commented that franchise cricket during the English summer could push more players to specialize in white-ball cricket, stating:
“If the PSL stays in the new window it’s going to drive them even more to white-ball. ECB faces an uphill battle to protect the County Championship in the current climate.”
With the PSL and IPL overlapping, the ECB fears that up to 30 English players could play in these tournaments. Restricting NOCs may encourage players to remain in England for the domestic season.
The ECB is expected to announce its policy next week, following discussions with several county cricket directors.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
