The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 season is set to begin on Monday, but it is unlikely that the Pakistan players will take part. According to Cricinfo, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is demanding USD 25,000 per player to issue the No Objection Certificates (NOC).

Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan AliIftikhar Ahmed, Hussain Talat, Hunain Shah, Usama Mir and Haider Ali are the players who are likely to participate in the league.

Many Pakistan players who have prior NOCs were told to put their participation on hold. The league is set to start on 26th October and run until 21st November 2026.

Issue with Major League Cricket

Earlier this year, Major League Cricket (MLC) owners also stated that PCB was demanding $25,000 per player for NOCs. The demand was made at the last minute, which denied the chance to sign replacement players. The MLC owners were miffed with the tactics, as only the Pakistan Cricket Board was making ludicrous demands. If the issue persists, the league may not invite Pakistan players.

Some of the team owners felt exploited and extorted by last-minute curveballs. When the concerned parties tried to speak with the board, they were categorically told that the PCB deserves to put forward their demands in return for the NOCs.

Future of Pakistani players in doubt

Pakistan players could be denied a chance to play in overseas leagues. Any cricketer who wishes to play in other leagues brings a decent share of revenue because of their image rights and participation. Considering the Pakistan board has been arm-twisting franchise owners with their demands, the future of cricketers being part of international leagues looks bleak.