CAN working to resolve NOC issue with PCB: Khadka

KATHMANDU: The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) said it was working to resolve the no-objection certificate (NOC) issue with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to facilitate Pakistani players’ participation in the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL).

Many Pakistani players, who had arrived in Kathmandu to play in the NPL, could not take to the field after the PCB introduced new conditions for issuing NOCs. Some media outlets claimed that the PCB had sought an additional $25,000 per player for NOC.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, CAN Secretary Paras Khadka said CAN had received an email from the PCB seeking an additional fee for Pakistani players taking part in the NPL.

CAN expressed surprise at the new conditions set by the PCB on the eve of the tournament, after the players had already arrived in Nepal with the necessary no-objection certificates (NOCs).

The demand has also created financial and logistical challenges for NPL franchises and organisers.

CAN said it was holding discussions with franchise owners and operations heads to resolve the issue. It has also established direct contact and exchanged correspondence with the PCB’s International Cricket Operations Department. Efforts are underway to coordinate with the Pakistani Embassy in Nepal and relevant government agencies, CAN said.

According to CAN, formal notification of the fee requirement much earlier would have helped franchises plan player signings and manage their budgets.

Sahibzada Farhan, captain of Pakistan’s national T20 team, who had joined Karnali Yaks for the NPL, returned to Pakistan before the tournament began. The PCB reportedly emailed Farhan, instructing him to return home immediately to fulfil his national team commitments.

Farhan had travelled to Nepal after obtaining the required NOC. However, uncertainty arose over his participation after the PCB introduced the new condition on the eve of the tournament and withheld NOCs for Pakistani players.